Post date: Feb 26, 2013 3:48:33 PM
Dutch designer Steffie Christiaens launches Paris Fashion Week with an Autumn/Winter collection full of contrasts.
PARIS, FRANCE (FEBRUARY 26, 2013) (REUTERS) - Rich golds and stark greys were united as Paris Fashion Week kicked off on Tuesday (February 26) with Steffie Christiaens' collection of contrasts.
Models hit the catwalk in creations where sumptuous metallic silk met muted woollens embellished with rigid rectangular patterns.Under the chandeliers of the Hotel Shangri La, cold blacks and deep caramels were accented by the softer pink shades seen in towering boots and subtle eyeshadow.
Christiaens' inspiration of modern Sufi dance was evident in the movement of the pieces, with flowing floor-length skirts and draped panels balancing the austere lines and structures of the outfits.
The Dutch designer said contrast was intended throughout each piece, from the silhouette to the fabrics used.
"Because there is a big contrast actually in the shape of the garments, and there is draping, and this contrast of like smoothness and movement and very structured shapes, that's what I also bring back in the fabrics -- fabrics like very soft silks combined with a very thick wool," she said.
With Paris Fashion week stretching ahead, Christiaens said size and movement were the key trends to watch out for.
"I think it's going to be very pure and with a lot of volume, oversized. I think it's very...I see a very strong movement also, very loose garments," she told Reuters.
As Christiaens' own collection showed, the scope is huge for designers to embrace over the ten-day event.