FashionFame

Hussein Chalayan was in a sophisticated and smooth mood for Spring, and that extended to his own appearance as well. He astonished his audience by leading the show like a forties band leader, with lounge-lizard tux, slicked-back hair, and pencil mustache.

Backed by Italian rumba band, Farniente, he kept over a grown-up designer collection of streamlined black and white, ivory and navy dresses. His aim was to evoke a leisured, civilized lifestyle, as he said, “The fantasy we all have of being able not to work.”

Stripped-down jackets and vests with sculptural, dropped lapels and cut-out zones; fitted dresses; and graphic black and white stripes were gracefully angled to reach an elegant, adult audience.

(Click on images to enlarge)

Chalayan brought on some fascinating navy silk plissé dresses crimped to suggest ocean waves followed by white jersey gowns with surreal ceramic fists clutching the drapery. Tight-fitting, body-con dresses, in metallic polyester, were embellished with ruffled flounces, to echo sea on the Cote d’Azur. Overall, it was a walked well, and simply chic line with fabulous designs.

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