During this season’s Paris Fashion Week (1-9 March, 2016; March 4 – 7) Fall/Winter Women’s Collections, Tranoï trade show installations showcase at the Palais de la Bourse, Carrousel du Louvre, and Cité de la Mode et du Design. My experience exploring the installations hosted at the Cité de la Mode et du Design highlighted the ‘international’ nature of the presenters.
On this chilly day across from the Gare d’ Austerlitz, high waters and brilliant glimmers of silvery white light glistened over the waters and reflected the stunning architectural designs of Paris.
Paris Austerlitz is one of the six large terminus railway stations in Paris. It is situated on the left bank of the Seine in the southeastern part of the city, in the 13th arrondissement.
The Docks inspired by the flow of the Seine, architect JAKOB Macfarlane contributes this disruptive architecture, including particularly the green flow that hangs over the Seine. It sends a shot of energy through historic Paris. This remarkable rehabilitation of a 1907 industrial building brings to life this new neighborhood in Paris.
Design is at the very heart of current cultural programming at the Cité de la Mode et du Design.
Inside the afternoon party is on with oysters, champagne, and other appetizers offered.
Oyster cracking is work – Enjoy the results!
Gladly, thank you.
The international tour begins with a Mexican designer, introduces Austrian, Spanish, Italian, Swiss, Portuguese, and Finnish.
Armando Takeda, a charming young man, designs an exquisite and soulful fashion brand established in Mexico. He introduces the allure of creation into the stunning world of invited artisans. Artisans beautifully handcraft pieces in respected traditions. They use the highest quality materials from around the world to come together in everyday wear.
“Our aim is to bring the artisan’s soul into the modern world.”
Armando’s partner and contributor graciously poses for the photo.
Champagne, bow-ties, and well-dressed furry companions! Life is playful and fun.
Majorité Opprimée, based in Vienna, is a lively, contemporary
brand that produces 100% handmade Nepalese cashmere designs.
Majorité and Napalese cashmere designed in Vienna.
Everyday life inspires the practicality of the designs. Through observation, the details of daily life seduces Majorité Opprimée in supporting designs to enable each one’s choices in lifestyle and appearance.
Opprimée has a mission: to give the modern wearer all the accessories one needs to express his or her personality.
Beatriz Furest, the founder of the brand, comes from a family that has dressed the gentlemen of Spain for over a century.
Bag designs by Beatriz Furest, Barcelona: «Leather is like a faithful friend; it grows old with you and never loses its charm.» ~ Beatriz Furest
In 1898 her relatives opened their first store,’Furest’, in Barcelona’s Plaza Real, beginning what is now a legendary menswear label that continues to thrive a hundred and fifteen years later. Her family’s love for fashion, art and design had a profound effect on young Beatriz.
Raised in the Furest’s busy workshops, she learnt the tricks of her trade from the traditional methods practised by her forefathers. Beatriz recalls how different colour trends were applied to classic tailoring and incorporated into new collections each season.
Espadrilles, yet owned and produced by the originating family, are the ideal combination of historical traditional craftsmanship and the most innovative and sophisticated design.
Surely the original models of 40 years ago were along more practical fashionable lines. While Espadrilles or Espartena boast ancient origins, and some believe that they were in use in Greek-Roman times, the son of the founder told me that their place of origin, over 40 years ago, actually begins in the Pyrenees on the border between France and Spain. Having lived in this region for a year, I attest to the widespread tradition and popularity of Espadrilles.
Even with shine and sparkle, the comfort and durability remain. The original eco-friendly nature of the traditional cotton yarn is present as the shoes are hand sewn as are the sole cords. Designs combine ongoing creativity and environmental friendliness. Espadrilles, today as yesterday, continue to be produced in accordance with an age-old technique which year after year is also applied in creating the most updated models as well as timeless style icons.
“Pé de chumbo“was founded by fashion designer Alexandra Oliveira and develops fashion collections of the same name for multi-brand stores and for her own flagship boutique located in the historic centre of Guimarães Portugal.
Light, comfortable, yet warm with the highest quality fabrics and hand production.
Since 2007 she has exhibited in international fashion fairs, acquiring new customers and imposing her characteristics in the design and the manufacture of woven and knitted fabrics using a unique handmade process.
Designer Florence Schlegel decided to share her own vision, focusing on accessories after over a decade’s experience designing high-end garments for famous fashion houses such as Christian Dior, Azzedine Alaia and L’Wren Scott. Therein she founded Wonderology. Born in 2014 as a Swiss brand, style of trompe-l’oeil plexiglas jewelry, silk accessories and scarves are a magical meeting between wisdom and wonder.
The limited editions in jewelry, handmade in Switzerland, carry you away to an enchanted world. The combination of printed and silkscreened precious gemstones on acrylic glass is as surprising as it is ingenious. Declined into cuffs, necklaces, brooches and pendants, these wondrous pieces will give a modern twist to any of your outfits.
Art Deco and La Belle Epoch inspires jewelry designs.
Alina Piu, a Finnish brand, is growing and will broaden their collections with new product lines. Alina Piu started and continues with patterned knit accessories debuting in 2013. For 2016, Alina Piu will broaden their collection with new product lines. Follow the story on Facebook and Instagram!
The design philosophy is inspired by simple, clean lines mixed with playfulness to showcase the modern Scandinavian style. The Alina Piu brand emphasizes high quality materials, functionality and long lasting products in accord with fair European production standards. Garments are timeless designs and good quality thanks to high quality, long lasting materials. Your favorite pieces will last through time.
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