Thursday, March 3, 2011

Best of Paris Fashion Week

Dries Van Noten FW11

by Grace Gordon

The mismatched nature of the Dries Van Noten fall/winter 2011 collection is what sets it apart. Looks that shouldn’t have worked together simply did when DVN got ahold of them. The bifurcation of opposing mix-and-match outfits might give you a case of style envy. Mere mortals wouldn’t think to pair the spiderweb print maxi skirt with a blousy paneled gold top, but there it was on the runway, looking for all it was worth like the coolest outfit ever.

This was an exercise in contrast prints that the every day woman could still make work in her wardrobe. No small feat. Some looks retained easy simplicity like the slouchy wide-leg wool trousers (sure to be on everyone’s wish list) paired with slim belted tunics. Alexa Chung would be delighted by all of the comfy sweaters paired with graphic skirts and black ankle boots.

From these humble beginnings, the collection became more and more unpredictable: hybrid prints paired seamlessly together, and the crowd was thunderstruck by luxurious fabrics silkscreened with lightning prints that seemed to electrify the clothes. There were a few prints that were dotted, dashed and slashed with abstract shapes, like Dries Van Noten had tried to translate Morse code onto clothing. There were also a lot of rich, baroque details like tapestry coats and shiny brocade dresses that deepened and enriched the collection. This exquisite collection will land in many wardrobes, and stay in rotation for years to come.