Hong Kong Design Hits the Runway at New York Fashion Week

FWO
-
0
Hong Kong Design Hits the Runway at New York Fashion Week

Fashion Hong Kong Showroom to Facilitate Business

Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), three leading Hong Kong fashion designer labels will take part in New York Fashion Week February 2018, showcasing Hong Kong’s fashion creativity to industry elites and style influencers from the United States and around the world.

The HKTDC will stage a Fashion Hong Kong runway show at New York Fashion Week (at 12pm EST on 9 February). Designer Harrison Wong (Brand: HARRISON WONG), who returns to the show for the third consecutive year, will join Annette Chan (Brand: ANVEGLOSA) and design duo Yi Chan and Lary Cheung (Brand: HEAVEN PLEASE+) to launch their Fall/Winter 2018 collections. An after-show party will be held for the designers to network with industry players.

Professional B2B Showroom to Facilitate Business

To further promote Hong Kong fashion brands and foster exchange and collaboration between Hong Kong designers and overseas buyers, the HKTDC will launch the Fashion Hong Kong Showroom at Showroom Seven, a professional B2B showroom during New York Fashion Week from 7-20 February. In addition to the three runway designer labels, 13 other budding Hong Kong fashion brands: a o g p, BIG HORN, Ejj Jewellery, FAVEbyKennyLi, FREQUENT FLYER, Heritage ReFashioned, LAByrinth, L’impression du temps, LOOM LOOP, MASE, NICI HARMONIC, niin and SHOKAY, will be showcased. Both Heritage ReFashioned and LOOM LOOP feature eco-fashion, with the former transforming upcycled vintage textile into sustainable fashion clutches; while the latter incorporates Canton silk, a traditional fabric that uses natural dyeing techniques.

Holistic Promotion Campaign

Fashion Hong Kong has partnered with Klook, a Hong Kong travel start-up, to introduce Hong Kong’s unique fashion design to lifestyle travellers worldwide. Fashion Hong Kong will also collaborate with local digital start-up VirtualCyte, to produce the first 360-degree video production on Hong Kong designers at New York Fashion Week. In addition, FashionWeekOnline.com, which is regarded as the insiders’ guide to international fashion weeks, has launched a Hong Kong section to promote emerging Hong Kong fashion designers and HKTDC fashion events.

Designer Key Chow represents Hong Kong at Asia Fashion Collection

Another Hong Kong fashion designer, Key Chow, will participate in New York Fashion Week with Asia Fashion Collection (AFC), an incubation project produced and supported by Vantan and PARCO. As the 17/18 Hong Kong representative, Key Chow will showcase his latest Fall/Winter 2018 collection with AFC on 10 February alongside other promising Asian designers.

Fashion Hong Kong Designers at New York Fashion Week February 2018
Anveglosa

Establishing her leather company in 1987, Annette Chan started out as a retailer and manufacturer. With nearly 30 years’ experience in the industry, specialising in leather, Ms Chan created her label ANVESGLOSA in 2017, to use her extensive experience and reflect her definition of fine clothing: high-quality materials, figure-flattering cuts, and exquisite craftsmanship in unfailing styles.

ANVEGLOSA is a contemporary women’s fashion brand specialising in leatherwear. The brand’s inspiration lies in combining practicality and style. Each piece draws attention not through exaggeration, but through quiet charm. The fashionable, elegant and sophisticated clothes strongly reflect the label’s character. The brand has attracted high-end retailers from overseas, including Harvey Nichols, Galeries Lafayette Beijing and Lane Crawford.

Fall/Winter 2018 Collection: L’Opéra

The collection is a celebration of theatrical art, offering women the chance to explore their creativity. It demonstrates a splendid aesthetic with the delicate application of different material combinations playing on the magic that is the feminine silhouette paired with compelling layers.

Harrison Wong+

 Harrison Wong made his fashion industry debut by winning the Hong Kong Young Designers’ Contest and the Grand Prix Contest in Japan. Since earning a Master’s degree from the London College of Fashion, he has shown his men’s collections in New York, Milan, Shanghai, Taipei, Sydney and Hong Kong.

HARRISON WONG is an original contemporary apparel and accessories brand for fashion lovers. The label specialises in edgy, aggressive designs that also display an understated elegance.

Fall/Winter 2018 Collection: Gradations

For inspiration, Harrison Wong turned to Mark Rothko, the mid-20th century abstract expressionist, whose powerful paintings comprise blurred blocks of vibrant colors with blacks and greys.

Heaven Please+

The design duo both graduated with a fashion design degree from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Yi Chan started her career at Marie Claire as a Fashion Editor, while Lary Cheung worked as a menswear designer at British labels, Kent & Curwen and Aquascutum. They founded the brand Heaven Please+ in 2011 and launched their first collection for AW 2012. The designers are devoted to applying their experiences outside the fashion industry, including arts, music and literature, into their design concepts and sketches, attempting to empower fashion with insightful and perceptual values.

Independent, Dreamy, Extraordinary. Since their debut AW collection in 2012, Heaven Please+ has been searching for an alternative narrative from the language of design details and silhouettes. The brand has designed several costumes for Hong Kong artists and large-scale events, such as the Ultimate Song Chart Awards Presentation. In 2013, Heaven Please+ opened its first retail location, which was chosen by the LOUIS VUITTON HK City Guide 2015 as one of the recommended fashion stores to visit.

Fall/Winter 2018 Collection: DăCuòLe Vol. I (English: Wrong Number)

Wrong Number is a novel by noted Hong Kong writer Liu Yichang, which is the inspiration behind the label’s F/W18 collection, by re-mixing 50’s Western style with Hong Kong high-fashion style.

Main Events

Fashion Hong Kong Runway Show
Time: 12pm on 9 February 2018 (Friday)
Venue: Industria, 775 Washington Street, New York, NY

Fashion Hong Kong Night
Time: 7pm on 9 February 2018 (Friday)
Venue: The Refectory at The High Line Hotel, 180 10th Avenue (at 20th Street), New York 10011

Fashion Hong Kong Showroom
Time: 7-20 February 2018 (By Appointment)
Venue: Showroom Seven, 501 10th Ave, New York, NY
Appointment Requests: fashion_hongkong@hktdc.org

Key Chow

Apart from the Fashion Hong Kong fashion parade, Hong Kong designer Key Chow will also stage a separate fashion show at New York Fashion Week. The designer will represent Hong Kong at the Asia Fashion Collection (AFC) 17/18, showcasing his latest collection Trashy Boy at the AFC show on 10 February

##

Learn More

fashionhongkong.com

With love,

FWO

Grungy Gentleman Fall Winter 2018: New York Fashion Week Men’s

FWO
-
0
Grungy Gentleman Fall Winter 2018: New York Fashion Week Men’s

Grungy Gentleman NYFW FW18

Represented by Hubb House PR.

Designer and founder of Grungy Gentleman (GG), Jace Lipstein, will bring his designs to the runway for the eighth time to showcase the lifestyle brand’s Fall/Winter 2018 Collection, as well as a capsule collection GG x Darrelle Revis (Kansas City Chiefs), GG x National Basketball Players Association collection and GG x Subway Tile Shirts collection, on Wednesday, February 7th at 5:00PM at 393 Broadway (between White Street and Walker Street).

Grungy Gentleman’s eighth menswear runway show will rebel against traditional showcases by combining elements of surprise, cultural variety, and high-profile partnerships. Notable collaborations include Grungy Gentleman x Timberland footwear and a Grungy Gentleman x Chalk Line bomber jacket. Additional footwear provided by Adidas. Natalie’s Orchid Island Juice Company, an authentically clean line of juices, is providing the signature cocktail aptly named “The Gentleman’s Juice,” and will be on hand with their full line of fresh juices for mixers for cocktails and mocktails, including their Orange Beet, Blood Orange, and Matcha Lemonade. Hair and makeup will be provided by New York Institute of Beauty. Music by Hot 97’s DJ Juanyto from Ebro in the Morning.

 
Grungy Gentleman: NYFW FW18

[portfolio_slideshow id=49185 align=center width=699 click=advance thumbnailsize=40 showcaps=false]
 

Grungy Gentleman continually combines design with applied creativity. Beyond a fashion label, the company doubles as an agency equipped with the expertise to consult and converge sports, fashion, and entertainment into one innovative culture. Each piece looks to suit and inspire the man who is bold, intelligent, passionate and has fierce taste. By pairing such motivations with a stylistic finesse of masculine simplicity, the brand has found shining praise and renowned following from top names in the sports, music and entertainment industries.

“Grungy Gentleman is all about expression — merging style with individuality to help men accentuate their boldness, athleticism, and masculinity. The Grungy Gentleman fall/winter collection, the designs, and namely, the pre-existing ideals of our collaborators continue this mission. It’s an exciting, fresh take on urban style, athletic tailoring, and menswear alike — and we are truly excited to show our new collection on the runway.” – Jace Lipstein, Designer and Founder, Grungy Gentleman.

Grungy Gentleman’s Fall/Winter 2018 collection will showcase looks of both formal and casual style. The line boasts everything from blazers to crew necks, pants, outerwear, and leisurely sportswear. The collection experiments with garment structure and texture. Design is clean and non-traditional yet made cohesive through the neutral palette and patterns with the brand’s trademark six-stripe design incorporated throughout. Mixed integration of mesh, French terry, cotton and a sporty vibe lend the line an inspired and rebellious feel, and as always, fit to suit the gentleman.

Super Bowl Champion and 7-time Pro Bowler, Kansas City Chiefs Cornerback Darrelle Revis, has teamed up with Grungy Gentleman for a 10-piece capsule collection including short sleeve t-shirts, long sleeve t-shirts, crewneck sweatshirts, shorts, and joggers. The collaboration features hues of heather grey and black mixed with 3m detailing and Grungy Gentleman’s signature six stripes.

The Grungy Gentleman x Subway Tile Shirts collection will feature three designs appearing on the runway. The featured pieces will be available for purchase immediately following the runway show on the Subway Tile Shirts website along with Grungy Gentleman website, and released the following day at Rothman’s in Union Square.

The debut of the Grungy Gentleman x National Basketball Players Association collection will include a hat, t-shirt and bomber jacket, and will be available for NBA players only at the upcoming NBA All Star Weekend in Los Angeles following the runway show.

The Timberland runway collaboration launched one year ago at NBA All-Star weekend. It features three co-designed styles in the lineup: two 6” Premium Boots and one athletic-inspired Killington Oxford. The 6” Premium Boots features a translucent ice-bottom sole, and the oxfords showcase Grungy flair, boasting a speckled glow-in-the-dark sole. Each shoe is visibly imprinted with the signature Grungy Gentleman six-stripe insignia, while the tongues have been customized with the same symbol.

Through combination of design and creativity, Grungy Gentleman aims to leverage fashion as a personal branding tool for the rebel spirit, the fierce go-getter, and the risk taker.

##

Learn More

NYFW schedule

With love,

FWO

Maria Aristidou Spring Summer 2018: Paris Fashion Week

FWO
-
0
Maria Aristidou Spring Summer 2018: Paris Fashion Week

Maria Aristidou Paris Fashion Week FW18

Close your eyes and fly to the Secret Gardens of Alexander. A utopia, a fantasy land that euphoria is the only feeling of existence! A land with never ending gardens of delicate Japanese flowers, that human eye cannot gasp in one breath.

A land with human smiles that never will be forgotten and always watching over us. One of them, close to my heart is Alexander Boulais! My agent in Paris. The person that with his instinct believed in my work. A gentle human soul, a noble man that was always calm, soft spoken with a genuine smile and love for his garden.

Maria Aristidou: Paris FW18

[portfolio_slideshow id=48259 align=center width=699 click=advance thumbnailsize=40 showcaps=false]

May you be the wind and the light that crosses your Secret Gardens and always be a shining star upon us!

Maria Aristidou, a specialist in couture knit wear, created a fantasy colorful world for spring-summer daywear-eveningwear for women. Romance, positive energy and freedom are the safety keys for happiness. A playground of flower patterns with silk viscose and metallic yarns, where elaborate embroideries decorate the luxurious knit fabrics creations.

Carefree curves and sleek cuts, unexpected details and accessories, complete the beauty of this womenswear collection!

##

Learn More

Paris Fashion Week

With love,

FWO

Francesco Scognamiglio Spring Summer 2018: Rome

FWO
-
0
Francesco Scognamiglio Spring Summer 2018: Rome

Francesco Scognamiglio FW18

Represented by Guitar PR.

20 years and 40 collections add up to an important chapter of the Italian fashion history, written by an icon of the international style: Francesco Scognamiglio. The famous couturier closed another loop of his career which was started in Pompei – a city that recalls the most ancient Neapolitan culture and where his first atelier of Haute Couture was opened in 1998 – and went back to where it all ideally started: Rome. With a bang. With a fashion show summarising the history of his stylistic path and looking to the future through the launch of the spring summer 2018 Couture collection.

Francesco Scognamiglio: Rome FW18

[portfolio_slideshow id=48288 align=center width=699 click=advance thumbnailsize=40 showcaps=false]

The Neapolitan designer, who was born in 1975 and in July 2000 debuted with his first defilé in the halls of Palazzo Barberini, celebrates now his 20th Anniversary, once again in Rome. On stage he brought a fashion show dedicated to his idea of romantic carnality, where the very essence of women is combined with their most sensual and passionate character. The show retraced the most iconic and significant pieces of the past of the brand, drawing then to the future ideal of the couturier.

The halls of the National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art of the Eternal City became the catwalk of a real celebration of Francesco Scognamiglio’s Italian savoir-faire. A retrospective able to trace 20 years of his history, ideally represented by 15 iconic dresses that have contributed to pave the way towards his success. Right after the must-to-have pieces, the new spring-summer 2018 Couture collection went on stage.

The fil rouge of this celebratory moment consisted of the essence of collections whose iconographic identity and allure have consecrated the creativity of the designer in the International fashion system. A way of creating, always inspired by his homeland and characterised by the attention to details and femininity, which launched Francesco Scognamiglio in the Gotha of the most esteemed designers, and that placed him among the most renowned beauty-ambassadors, such as Madonna and Nicole Kidman.

The show cemented the innate bond that binds together the designer with the city of Rome, where his first success was hosted. A 20-years long career characterised by prestigious collaborations and amazing debuts, the first of which was in the Parisian haute couture. These and more awards turned Francesco Scognamiglio into the creative talent able to rewrite the Italian prêt-à-porter. His accurate aesthetics has become immediately recognizable thanks to the special point of view mixed with the Neapolitan cult of a timeless style and craftsmanship; a conceptual and seductive design which enhances the woman through intentional volumes and daring cuts.

“Nice to be back in the city which welcomed and sustained me since my first fashion show in July 2000. In this show a moment of love and passion is hold, representing the very story of my years,” said Francesco Scognamiglio.

A tribute which was celebrated also by the rich parterre of guests and vips who have contributed to write the history and ascension of the maison all over the world.

##

Learn More

Milan Fashion Week

With love,

FWO

Maxime Hernandez Fall Winter 2018

FWO
-
0
Maxime Hernandez Fall Winter 2018

Maxime Hernandez NYFW FW18

Represented by REP Agency.

By drawing inspiration from uniforms and utility while playing with architectural references, the Fall Winter/2018 collection offers a cerebral approach to design by deconstructing and reinventing menswear’s relationship to garment using hand woven fabrics and specially dyed materials.

With their new collection, self trained designers Maxime Tiliouine and Quentin Hernandez tell the story of a new effortless, cool and elevated menswear wardrobe.

Maxime Hernandez represents design and true craftsmanship.

Maxime Hernandez

[portfolio_slideshow id=48320 align=center width=699 click=advance thumbnailsize=40 showcaps=false]

Maxime Hernandez is a New York based label founded in New York by Quentin Hernandez and Maxime Tiliouine which offers a modern and refined collection of high end sportswear. The label is a fusion of innovative design, sport functionality, fashion elegance and spotless craftsmanship.

Founded in 2015, this collaborative creative label was born from the love for fitness, art, architecture and travel.

##

Learn More

NYFW schedule

With love,

FWO

Trashy Boy: Ka Wa Key Fall Winter 2018

FWO
-
0
Trashy Boy: Ka Wa Key Fall Winter 2018

Ka Wa Key FW18

Trashy Boy” is the name of the newest collection from Ka Wa Key.

Founded by former YDC finalists Key Chow and Jarno Leppanen, KA WA KEY’s works explore the relationship between masculinity and Asian male identity in a dreamy, whimsical way.

A graduate from the Royal College of Art in London, Chow’s unique perspective on menswear has earned him the Hong Kong Fashion Designers’ Association Talent Award and the Hong Kong Young Design Talent Award.

Ka Wa Key: FW18

[portfolio_slideshow id=48527 align=center width=699 click=advance thumbnailsize=40 showcaps=false]

The designer was also a finalist in esteemed competitions including Vogue Talents, LVMH Graduates’ Prize and the H&M Design Award.

KA WA KEY’s latest collection, “Trashy Boy,” is the story of a young guy who goes to trashy clubs wearing trashy clothes.

“The collection is inspired by ’80s and ’90s trashy and ‘ugly’ fashion and styles, so this is our interpretation of them with our soft and dreamy touch. We continued to use and further develop our signature fabric treatments devoré and cracked. All the collages are designed by Giovanni Pacienza.”

Their show will take place on February 10 during NYFW.

##

With love,

FWO

John Varvatos 2.0: New York Fashion Week Men’s

Nicole Phillips
-
0
John Varvatos 2.0: New York Fashion Week Men’s

John Varvatos 2.0

Represented by Purple PR.

The buzz surrounding John Varvatos’ Fall/Winter 2018 fashion show included the fact that his show in New York would take place just two weeks shy of New York Fashion Week.

In line with his history of using musicians in campaigns and as models for his clothing, the January 26th New York fashion show lined-up with Grammys weekend, also in New York. I was excited get a glimpse of “John Varvatos 2.0” because it was to showcase a “different look for the brand.”

 
John Varvatos: NYFW Men’s

[portfolio_slideshow id=48072 align=center width=699 click=advance thumbnailsize=40 showcaps=false]
 

Clothing aside, the show was staged in a synagogue in the Lower East Side, complete with vaulted ceilings and cascading branches intertwined to create the look and feel of an eerie chandelier. An electric guitar ricocheted off the walls, creating the rebellious-yet-cool atmosphere well-associated with John Varvatos.

The clothing did not disappoint either. From muted blues and beiges to the occasional rich maroon, the collection had a consistency to it that was easily palpable. The selection of fabrics, which included suede, washed wool, and of course, leather, allowed the collection to feel sophisticated yet edgy. I particularly enjoyed the semi-wrinkled texture of several coats, which were mixed with suede or tapered pants, giving the impression of a “nonchalant confidence.” My favorite piece from the collection was a blue patchwork jacket, which showcased zero seam allowance and was layered over a longer grey wool cardigan, paired with striped trousers.

the collection felt sophisticated yet edgy

At the close of the show, John Varvatos’ models, who were comprised of different ethnicities and backgrounds, stood on stage while John Varvatos joined them, wearing an “Equality” tee-shirt. The electric guitar began to play the national anthem and everyone placed their hand on their heart. No doubt a nod to the cultural sensitivity occurring in the United States, I applaud the American designer for using his platform in a socially conscious way.

##

Learn More

NYFW schedule

With love,

FWO

Agnès B. Men Winter 2018: Paris Fashion Week

Paris Editor Gabriela Billini
-
0
Agnès B. Men Winter 2018: Paris Fashion Week

Agnès B. Paris Fashion Week FW18

Agnès B. typically tries to offer up something exciting and new at the start to her collections.

Last season for women’s, she agreed to bring student designers onboard to present a few looks as a debut. This time, for Men’s she went ahead and brought street dance and urbanism right to the runway.

Agnès B.: Paris FW18

[portfolio_slideshow id=48021 align=center width=699 click=advance thumbnailsize=40 showcaps=false]

There’s something to be said about the urbanism that has pervaded menswear overall and how it has attempted to drag the elements of our favorite cities into their apparel. Agnès B. men’s perfectly describes that and illustrates the variety of version*/impressions/likes of men in cosmopolitan cities. Alongside the element of urbanism in importance comes fit. Fit is becoming absolutely central to menswear today, as important, possibly, as what silhouettes are worn. In this season’s collection, the designer acknowledges this very much so and designed some excellent narrow knit looks such as jogging pants and close-cut jackets.

Fit is becoming absolutely central to menswear today

The collection offered a variety of themes:

  • aerodynamic-like design that is modern and innovative in appearance but comfortable and fashionable all the same
  • ’70s grit and the attractive sleaziness of the era
  • darker shades for the quietly stylish man not begging for attention
  • evolving menswear in adapting new styles not traditionally embraced by men (see knee pants)
  • keeping with the best of men’s vis a vis the traditional suit but bringing it into not just today, but tomorrow

Having presented such a variety of styles, it leads me to believe that this expansive expression of men’s may be aimed at a) capturing a wide audience or, more romantically, b) an urbanite that describes himself to have a variety of styles and different dimensions to his personality.

The Men:

  • ’70s guy
  • Not-So Closet rocker: the casualized, grounded rocker reintegrating into a traditional life with hints of former self coming out, whether through piercings or leather statement pieces. He’s part Beatle, part (……)
  • City guy/Urbanite

All these varieties shows the designer’s capacity to capture range and her determination to provide for the evolving city slicker as he learns more about other cultures and develops understanding on things beyond his life.

There was a big effort to redo the traditional suit for a more urban guy, using jersey for added comfort using rib knits giving room to move and breathe.

Other sweet details from the show include the statement coat as a signature standout piece, a styling tip many of the attendees adhered to on this rainy Parisian Sunday morning. In addition, the designer worked a lot with accessories, though exclusively over solid pieces so as not to draw too much attention from the tailoring.

Pale color combos are particularly presented for those gentlemen that like to dress well and feel good but not necessarily broadcast it. Those that prefer the details and integrity of design over flashy colors and prints. There’s a reconsideration of those less desirable colors into brilliantly designed pieces that may be seemingly unattractive on the surface but cut, quality and shape remain.

10/10 for Agnes B. Homme.

##

Learn More

Paris Fashion Week

With love,

FWO

Antonio Ortega Spring Summer 2018: Paris Fashion Week

Paris Editor Gabriela Billini
-
0
Antonio Ortega Spring Summer 2018: Paris Fashion Week

Antonio Ortega Paris Fashion Week FW18

Represented by Totem Fashion.

I was very much looking forward to the Antonio Ortega show due to his Latin American heritage and haute couture training. I haven’t been exposed to many couturiers who come from Latin America and couldn’t wait to see what was in store.

I must admit that I was not exactly a fan in the end. In my view, the collection had a lot of holes and was quite conflicting.

To start, the press release discusses the designer’s inspiration and he chose to set this collection in the heart of the desert. The sand, sun and other elements of nature are what he states as the elements that have influenced his design. I do declare that I see how the inspiration translated and yielded the garments he presented but, however, produced underdeveloped pieces.

I feel as though Antonio Ortega used severely inconvenient fabrics for the setting he chose to set this collection, as well as for the season in question. There was a very strong presence of silks and suedes, two fabrics that are less than favorable for direct sun, heat and, gross but real, sweat. At no point did I feel the collection was representative of the spring/summer season beyond the obvious short sleeve and liberated legs. The tiers and drapes are beautifully done on the gown but they’re still made of the wrong fabrics for the season concerned.

I adore the dried dirt effect he used on some of the looks, which in part reflects giraffe patterns but it just wasn’t enough for me. Couture is supposed to feel luxurious and elegant, while this felt a lot more ready to wear and mass-market. It is true that the fabric captures light beautifully and they move as gracefully as ocean waves, but it doesn’t fully feel couture.

I adore the dried dirt effect he used on some of the looks

Further, the designer presented quite a few silk twin set, which to me look quite aged. It is possible that he is targeting an older clientele, but I didn’t get that impression from those invited to attend the show. The design simply looked inconsistent. With these same sets, I thought there seems to be some confusion because the silhouettes themselves were quite old, without offering a contrasting young design, but somehow high slits made an appearance, which would naturally target a young consumer.

It feels incomplete because I see the effort to create something exciting and new in silhouettes but I don’t think it is executed properly. There’s a juxtaposition of fabric such as silk with suede, demonstrating an interest on the designer’s behalf to think thoroughly about adding beauty and complexity to the designs.

Antonio Ortega: Paris FW18

[portfolio_slideshow id=48157 align=center width=699 click=advance thumbnailsize=40 showcaps=false]

Guided by shifts in light and the slightest passing breeze, garments mutate and take on an ephemeral existence that lasts only until the next movement. The constant to and fro is framed by the passage of shadows of black silk tulle that envelop and consume the warm colors of the collection.

A yellow jute, coarse and rough, juxtaposes the softness of a silk. The play of contrasts that characterizes Ortega’s work takes on its full meaning in a desert landscape; dark shadows bring freshness while a sparkling embroidery instantly reminds us of the glare of a blinding sun.

Suddenly, a burst of bright color, like a desert flower springing up after the rain. From a distance, its contours are fuzzy, like a mirage, but closer, details become more precise. The glitter quickly disappears among the beige, yellow and golden surroundings, as the desert reclaims its rights.

##

Learn More

Paris Fashion Week

With love,

FWO

Ralph & Russo Spring/Summer 2018: Paris Fashion Week

Paris Editor Gabriela Billini
-
0
Ralph & Russo Spring/Summer 2018: Paris Fashion Week

Ralph & Russo Paris Fashion Week FW18

Finding the right words to describe haute couture is its own individual challenge, especially so because the designers who present during Haute Couture week had undergone so many years of discipline and have been trained to perfection.

Sure, each atelier has their own individual features and client who they cater to, but they produce such incredibly beautiful garments that leave one in awe.

 
Ralph & Russo: PFW FW18

[portfolio_slideshow id=47255 align=center width=699 click=advance thumbnailsize=40 showcaps=false]
 

At its core, Ralph and Russo’s SS18 haute couture show was inspired by creative director Tamara Ralph’s interest in eastern styles and culture, while bringing together the signature of the brand – its identity and aesthetic all into one. Overall, silhouettes looked very much to the past, sometimes using the elegance that comes with conservatism and confidence to ground the looks.

We saw eastern shapes and silhouettes combined with amazing touches of the west and the past, particularly of the 1920s flapper, delivering an exceedingly sexy feminism of times past that is quite simply unmatched by anything else today. The designers have not forgotten that the roaring twenties are soon making a comeback, and featured ostrich feathers and fringe to make anyone infatuated with the decade swoon.

I adored look numbers 12 and 40, flapper fringe dresses on steroids. The way those tassels wave and swing as the model paraded down the runway was not only exciting but sensual.

One of the more moving looks was number 19, a deep black velvet ball gown, which moved quite elegantly on its model. Its manipulated shape produced a diagonal, which quite naturally reminded me of the composition of a piece of art, which the high slit so beautifully contrasted.

Another beautiful number was look number 25, a velvet column gown chicly adorned with ostrich feathers and geniously finished with an ever so delicate but blush pink opera coat finished with an incredible cuff. The contrast in color and weight of the fabrics is a challenge, but still such a beautiful statement in the end. They do this, while still delivering an incredibly elegant look despite a contrast some others may shy away. It shows the careful thought, precision and desire to deliver something new and unexpected on behalf of the designers.

The eastern inspiration emerges more clearly on the occasional look, such as number one, an extraordinarily sexy kimono that I imagine Kiki de Montparnasse would be happy to wear, and number 39, a jumpsuit certainly inspired by a sari, but made sweeter, more delicate and poignantly elegant.

Each time, with each look, the models exuded a lot of moneyed elegance and dazzled in beauty, though with strength and determination.

I have so many favorites in this season’s collection that I can’t help but create 56 different scenarios and imagine where I would wear each number.

The designers are visionaries – extraordinary artists that understand the form of women so well. Dare I say they are like sculptors, so careful with perceiving what works best – what moves and what falls beautifully on a woman.

##

Learn More

Paris Fashion Week

With love,

FWO

1...588589590...655Page 589 of 655