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| Manish Arora's playful inventiveness. Photo: Yannis Vlamos |
The rain
and grey weather in France during the first days of Paris Fashion Week were in
sharp contrast to the energy and colour of several fashion shows.
Indian
designer Manish Arora particularly did much to make one forget the chill winds
blowing through the streets of the French capital. Playfulness was the hallmark
of his autumn/winter 2014 collection, as he presented a “candy tribe of
sweet-toothed nomads and gummy bear gypsies”.
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| Photo: Yannis Vlamos |
The first
impression on seeing the designs was: Asia meets South America. Arora showed
“oversize ice-cream prints and sugary landscapes” which adorned Peruvian circle
skirts and the drop-waisted trousers of ancient Chinese workers, as his house
described it.
The models’
steps were lit up by built-in LED lights in their sneakers, while tiny hot
water bottles and amusing hip flasks were the accessories to keep Arora’s
imaginary travellers warm on their wanderings.
The
designer can always be counted on to spring a surprise, and the array of pink,
purple, orange and green, together with his traditional embroidery, elicited a
certain thrill at his daring. Even without the outlandish pom-poms worn by the
models, this would’ve been a show to remember.
GOSIA
BACZYNSKA
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| Photo: Olivier Claisse |
In
contrast, Polish designer Gosia Baczynska went for the more usual elegance and
femininity. The use of lace and cut-outs, with many of the dresses molded to
the body, added a sensual element to her collection.
Baczynska
has told reporters that it upsets her that fashion is becoming just an
industry, and she obviously was motivated to highlight the artistic aspect of
fashion design.
She used a
range of fabrics, and mixed colours and textures to great effect. This mélange is
all the rage at the moment, but not everyone does it well. She can take
pleasure in knowing that she does. - J.M. De Clercq and L. McKenzie
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| Gosia Baczynska shows the art of lace. Photo: Olivier Claisse |
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| Arora's perfect coat to brighten a rainy day. Photo: Yannis Vlamos |
