Paris Offers More Fashionable Surprises!

Last time I mentioned that I had received invites to some fashion weeks shows, namely Ivana Helsinki (which I unfortunately couldn't attend as it was starting as I was reading the email - note to self: need better phone so I can keep up with these things while out) as well as Etcetura and Dupre Santabarbara.

I had a fantastic time at Etcetura who are sisters Ezra and Tuba Cetin from Istanbul, Turkey and I was thrilled to have the opportunity to witness their first show in Paris. In the end the clothes are the clothes but a great show impacts the way you feel about them when you leave to go home, and it was indeed one that has stayed with me. The clothes were structured, strong and also quite feminine with their focus on the waist and gorgeous, stiffly ruffled pleats and incisive cuts. Gold and black squares embellished many of the pieces and echoed the historic mosaics from the sisters' homeland.

I had a clear view for photos but the first platform the models stood on for a moment before proceeding to the one right in front of the blinding wall of cameras was just ahead of me, so I got a back/side view. I've requested official shots from the PR agency so hopefully they'll be forthcoming. For now, there are my photos. Luckily there is some beautiful detail to be seen from that awkward angle! (And some of the girls are wearing semi-opaque tights as pants, in case you're wondering!)

The next show was Dupre Santabarbara. Michel Dupré and Christelle Santabarbara have been doing haute couture for the past seven years and this was their first prêt-à-porter collection - another debut! It was immediately clear there was an angel/devil concept working through the collection but of more earthly origins - like sexy clergy that I'm guessing were not quite repentent.

There was a lot of corsetry in both leather and satin, fine black chain embellishments on skirts and jackets, and rosary-like beads strewn over photos of the holy family that were sewn onto the chests.  The colour palette was a little odd - black and navy with orange and yellow flames running up the legs. Taken into real life, the coat dresses with pleated skirts were really quite sweet and would look great with some long strands of pearls, and tights that didn't look as if you were standing in a firepit.

I thought the fit of many of the tops was a bit loose considering the restricted nature of the corsetry, but the gorgeously draped capes made up for it, as did the bow detail on the backs of jackets that made for a pretty exit when the models turned to walk away.

And as for 'more fashionable surprises', I've since had two more invites just as fashion week is closing - one was to the Talbot Runhof show which was this morning, and I was beyond wowed. Think late 1930s glamour and some of the best killer heels you have ever seen, finished with Veronica Lake hair. It was stunning. The second is a presentation early Thursday from OMELA who I know nothing about. I guess I'll find out tomorrow! I can't wait to share it with you!

Bonne nuit mes amies,

Denise xx

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