If the first few shows of Paris Fashion Week are anything to go by, there are plenty of surprises in store for the style set. Leading the way were Viktor & Rolf who sent models down the runway wearing lighting rigs. "We wanted to emphasis how important the show is to us - so each outfit is a self sufficient fashion show," explained Viktor Horsting, one half of the cutting-edge Dutch design duo.
The clothes - illuminated either from outside or within, and suspended in their full glory - referenced their native country's folklore roots. Bold flower prints, crisp white, and rustic check dresses were complemented by traditional clogs.
If there was something nostalgic about Viktor and Rolf's collection Jun Takahashi was presenting a very different tack on the Undercover runway. Responding to global climate change, the innovative Japanese designer has adapted NASA technology to create a lining for his outfits that keeps the body cool in hot weather and toasty in cold. "You can't tell whether a winter's going to be warm or freezing," he explained.
The same consideration had been factored into his knits and wool coats, which featured waterproofing treatments. Beyond the technical elements represented by the fabrics used, there was a sporty theme to the designs. Grey jersey tracksuits, satin-quilt cardigan dresses and shorts worn over woolly tights made a trendy impression for day, while evening looks included a dramatic feathered coat affair.
Like Viktor & Rolf, fellow Japanese designer Yohji Yamamoto added technical wizardry to his show, too. The veteran fashion maestro sent his hooped polka-dot skirts swirling, literally, at the flick of a switch.
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Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
