PARIS (AP) — Beneath an opulent chandelier in a sunlit salon, Imane Ayissi’s fall couture present as soon as once more fused African custom with Parisian craft.
Monday’s operating motif was the flower, explored in daring, distinct methods.
In probably the most hanging appears to be like, the mannequin’s total higher physique was reworked right into a sculpture of large vermillion flowers — petals constructed to fly outward and create a vivid silhouette.
One other satin gown positioned a flower appliqué playfully on the hip, as if rising from the material itself.
Elsewhere, a tailor-made pink jacket was punctuated by crisp white floral gildings, merging softness with geometry.
Ayissi performed with contrasts all through: sharply structured jackets alongside softer, draped items, and conventional African textiles interpreted with couture methods. Handwork and tactile particulars gave the gathering each presence and lightness.
If there was typically pressure between architectural strains and exuberant ornament, Ayissi’s greatest appears to be like felt recent and intentional — pushing the dialog between heritage and excessive vogue ahead. As soon as once more, he made a compelling case for the place of African craft within the coronary heart of Paris couture.
