In the world of fashion, 2008 was truly the year where designers based their collections around graphics and geometric shapes for the spring and fall seasons.
These graphics and geometric shapes bring about a new look in any collection. On the high-end level of haute couture, designers such as Emilio Pucci, Anna Sui, and Balenciaga stepped out the box and took creativity and color to another level. They are the royal court of “who’s who” in graphics in fashion.
The Prince of Prints
The “prince of prints”. Fur, ice and crystals. Couture designer Emilio Pucci best describes graphics in fashion. His inspiration came from the natural landscapes of the Mediterranean and the exotic culture. He created an external logo with his signature graphics, abstracts and kaleidoscope of color prints.
Each and every one of Pucci’s collections, dating all the way back to the 1950s featured his signature geometric and abstract prints, so his Fall 2008 Collection was no different. The inspiration was drawn from the mountain and the cold. The prints have a recurring mountain theme and the accessories capture what the snowy season is all about. Featured in this wintery wonderland collection were icicle necklaces, silvery sequins, crystal beading and bags that mimicked shards of ice. They collection began with dresses, leggings, and winter coats that ranged from dark grey and yellow to white and black. The collection ended with icy sapphires, corals, various shades of emerald and aqua blues, even Jamaican water would envy. Pucci definitely didn’t let his fans down with this collection.
The Queen of Eccentric
Just from looking at Ms. Sui’s Fall 2008 Collection it is safe to say that she is a multi-cultural and talented person. Born in America, Anna Sui has always had an eye out for fashion. At a young age she began making her own clothes. “I was completely obsessed. I don’t know how my parents put up with me,” Sui stated. Since then she has evolved into one of America’s top designers with her eccentric style and bold colorful patterns.
The Fall 2008 Collection is the most colorful of them all. Every tunic, pants, and shirt has some style of a geometric pattern, almost tribal-like. The aesthetic movement, Tiffany vases, fortuny pleats, Gustav Klimt, and American Indians are the inspiration for this season. It is evident that Anna Sui has many inspirations (the prince of prints, Emilio Pucci being one of them), and she makes good use of her surroundings.
The King of Pansies
This year Balenciaga has outdone himself by using some astonishing graphics in his Spring 2008 Collection. The color scheme consists of a plethora of vibrant colors, such as snorkel blues, tangerine oranges, kelp greens, soft pinks, and bumble-bee yellow—just to name a few.
Nicolas Ghesquiere, the head designer for Balenciaga says he was exploring new territory because he had done prints before, but never thought of using flowers to enhance the collection. Bringing nature to the runway, Balenciaga is in full bloom this spring using pansies, peonies, daffodils, and hyper- gorgeous hydrangeas to his advantage, with this revolutionary technique.
Balenciaga wanted to create ensembles on the catwalk with standout shoulder lines, wide-bell shaped hips, and knee-high, woven, leather gladiator boots. Nicolas Ghesquiere has an eye for architect design and he is a sculptor of shape, with innovative graphics he is promised longevity in fashion industry.
This is only the beginning for graphics in fashion.
