JEAN-PAUL LESPAGNARD ON THE MODO PARCOURS

 Seeing Jean-Paul Lespagnard's work was so inspiring to me as a designer; he had jackets that turned into dresses, pockets created out of folds in the fabric, unexpected seams that curved around the body (eg - the neckline in picture 4) and just to get technical; arm holes that started out as raglan sleeves and ended up as kimono - blew my mind. Jean-Paul really pushes himself as a designer to create something bold and new, he recently won over the heart of Susie Menkes who was impressed with the originality of his work. Mixing sport with luxury, Jean-Paul's SS12 is inspired by 20's/30's flappers and american basketball, not an easy combination, but I think the outcome is something really innovative. 

PORTS 1961 S/S 2011

The Ports 1961 press day seemed almost hidden away in the giant Knightsbridge Harvey Nichols store, away from the other press day that they were having upstairs. 

I felt as if we had stumbled upon a hidden gem and was immediately captivated by the giant fraying silk dress in the first pictures. 

Every garment in the Ports S/S 11 collection had much more to it on further inspection; there was always a quirky element to the chic designs as well as lush fabric choices.

The collection was inspired by desert landscapes, with geometric forms contrasting against the sensuous curved sand dunes. The glittery/shimmery aspects on pieces such as the wooden bangles were simulating a mirage of water against the hot dry sand. It seemed innovative to me to use holographic plastic on high end pieces, as well as their laser cut felt on leather clutch bags. Ports aren't limited in their use of materials and continue to push their multi cultural approach to design whilst keeping their signature post modern elegance.

I will leave you with some images of A/W 2010 as it's so cold everywhere these luscious looking knits and laser cut vests are sure to warm you up!