Charles Anastase might have toned down some of his usual drama for this season, but don't think he's going bland and boring. Some of the French designer's signature ruffles snuck into the collection, which he said was inspired by muses like Jane Birkin and Charlotte Gainsbourg - and we think had a touch of The Like's Tennessee Thomas, who made an appearance at the show.
All of this - plus Anastase's touches of pop and vintage French styles - left fresh-faced models looking simple and sweet on the runway. No shock for Spring, but Anastase also added garden elements to his latest collection (so perhaps it's appropriate some of his models sported green tights on their "stems"). We're in love with the way Anastase added charm to his geeky librarian girls, and we have our eye on a cream ruffled blouse and midi skirt for next season. If we're brave, we might even try it with the adorable but treaturous ankle-strap platforms models navigated on the runway.
Bold colours spouted in flashes from the monotone majority in Charles Anastase's Spring Summer 2010 collection, with a minimalistic and yet ladylike feel. Simplistic cuts and an absence of pattern created a modernist vibe, whilst full circle hoop skirts added a tongue in cheek feminist quality that lifted the show, accentuated by nipped in waists. Anastase carried through the use of volume in his finale dresses, with a large puffed up A-line bubble dress in beige with thick black straps, and a bridal-esque strapless number that looked cosy enough for a duvet day. An overdress made from what looked like cellophane was Anastase's take on the emerging sheer trend for SS10, along with panelled dropped waist dresses and sheer nothings underneath peplum style skirts. A thick strapped beige and black jumpsuit worn over a cream sheer shirt became one of the highlights of the collection, and the collection proved itself to be an easily wearable one, particularly with the various styles of double breasted jackets.
To celebrate 20 years of ANDAM (Association Nationale pour le Développement des Arts de la Mode), Charles Anastase, Jeremy Scott and design duo Bless have transformed the legendary Longchamp Le Pliage bag. ANDAM works to promote and support up-and-coming French and international fashion talent, with previous winners of the prestigious award each creating limited editions of the bag as part of their prize.
All three designers were thrilled at the chance to recreate the classic, with Anastase admitting that he'd "always dreamed of transforming a Longchamp bag", and Scott referring to The Pliage as a modern French icon - "The Pliage bag is a French icon, no different from the croissant or the Eiffel tower - it is chic, sophisticated and handsome all in one".
Anastase's first design features a pair of ballet shoes, the second featuring Persian cats; Scott's consists of a digital print of himself as a "nouveau samurai"; and design team Bless have transformed the bag into a bracelet to push the boundaries of shape and function. "Here are three styles, three ideas, three ambiances that reflect the diversity which it is ANDAM's misson to nurture. Longchamp should be congratulated on taking part in this game of transformation with such enthusiasm," says head of ANDAM, Nathalie Dufour. We couldn't agree more, particularly when the celebration involves three beautiful birthday bags.
Be sure to head down to a Longchamp boutique from October 1st, to bag yourself a limited edition Longchamp Le Pliage.
What is it with the fashion industry this season? Is everyone listening to the same music and feeling nostalgic about the 80s and 90s at the same time. Designer Charles Anastase was definitely in on that memo citing the ‘spirit of Kurt Cobain’, the legendary member of Nirvana, as an inspiration, which is ironic as I am writing now in the BFC Tent media room with ‘Smells like teen spirit’ playing in the background.
