Refined. Nina Ricci AW18

March 6, 2018 | Design & Culture by Ed

So what’s the deal with Guillaume Henry at Nina Ricci? After seasons of working at the heritage brand, the designer was reported to leave due to the maison‘s underfunding. Then, Nina Ricci’s company responded to the news by denying Henry’s departure, just hours after the recent fashion show. Oh, that crazy fashion…

But still, would you say Ricci needs a new designer? Throughout those three years, Guillaume has changed the label into an exciting and very refined place for women seeking the ‘Parisian allure’ (if we really need to use a cliché). Shortly, those are delightful, beautiful dresses, coats and accessories. Although the autumn-winter 2018 collection indeed felt as if it was witnessing a budget cut comparing to the last seasons, it was… well, good. Even very good – see the fur coats; the chic trackpants; voluminous shirts. I think that’s the main problem with old houses being suddenly revived by investors. The owners want big profit, they want the brand to be on everybody’s lips – but is giving the right amount of time for the designer even taken under consideration? Worth consideration.

Collage by Edward Kanarecki.

To Cherish and Wear. Loewe AW18

March 6, 2018 | Design & Culture by Ed

What does Loewe‘s autumn-winter 2018 collection stands for? The balance between a working and private life. This woman might equally wear her grey shirt-dress to the office, as well as to her weekend house (that has a lovely chimney spot, by the way). Actually, Jonathan Anderson is about to deliver all the needs Phoebe Philo will no longer be here for next autumn – jaw-dropping shearling coats; sophisticated, yet comfortable eveningwear; business-smart tailoring and shirting. The last looks had something of curated artiness that Anderson likes to inject into the house. See the multi-coloured thread inserts and fringing present in the maxi-skirts and gowns. To conclude, that’s fashion to cherish, and wear!

Collage by Edward Kanarecki.

Show Off. Y/Project AW18

March 6, 2018 | Design & Culture by Ed

Once can’t help, but I note that Glenn Martens‘ autumn-winter 2018 collection for Y/Project had something of a show-girl. The venue, which appeared to be the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées on the fancy Avenue Montaigne, was also a clue. Spotlight stealers? Draped taffeta gowns, intricate embroideries on sheer tops, floor-sweeping lengths and a couture-ish tube dress swishing with gold fringing. Of course, all that galore and splendour done in a signature, Y/Project manner, read: stylishly over-sized and distorted.

Collage by Edward Kanarecki.

New Sensuality. Chloé AW18

March 4, 2018 | Design & Culture by Ed

The modernist architecture of Maison de la Radio anticipated Natacha Ramsay-Levi‘s contemporary sensuality that the designer implements at Chloé. In her second season for the house, Natacha’s vision becomes even clearer and understandable. Chloé is no longer a label with flowing dresses for running around the fields. It’s a brand for women of profession, culture, life. Vintage lace, tiers of goat hair and knitted ruffles were beautifully combined with earth tones and subtle cuts. Ramsay-Levi’s femininity, however, clashes with something slightly more heavy: think boots with metalwork heels or chain necklaces made of gold pendants, coins and keys. While Chloé seems to be the most realistic and powerful collection of this Paris fashion week up to now, note it’s not a Phoebe Philo clichéd tribute collection. It’s impressive to see, how Natacha builds her own, idiosyncratic language for the females of today.

Collage by Edward Kanarecki.

Authentic. Lemaire AW18

March 3, 2018March 4, 2018 | Design & Culture by Ed

Something’s going on at Lemaire. It seems that the designer marriage, Christophe Lemaire and Sarah-Linh Tran, let some colour to their beautifully minimal, yet intimate, label. Curcuma, lemon, mustard, lilac – this is the bright, warm palette offered for autumn-winter 2018. But Lemaire wouldn’t be Lemaire without its cool sobriety. Dark brown jackets were styled with ecru skirts or black satin shirts. Loosely fitted, multi-segmented coats in dove grey or indigo made you think of a cold breeze rather than those lovely, autumn days. The volumes were as well different than usual – everything’s over-sized, very masculine. People say that Lemaire can become the new Céline. I disagree – I think that Lemaire is authentic, not trying to look like Phoebe Philo’s era fashion. It’s just the way it is, true to the designers’ style.