But the most exciting continent swap was Ellery’s. Last week, the Sydney-based brand was invited to show in Paris by the Fédération Français de la Couture du Prêt-à-Porter des Couturiers et des Créateurs de Mode, a covetous invitation that only two other local designers (Collette Dinnigan and Martin Grant) have ever been extended.
30-year-old Kym Ellery showed her new collection on Sunday at Paris’ Hôtel D’Évreux. Inspired by 70s interior architecture, collage and the mediating mind, the collection was a focused edit of luxurious textiles that celebrated the sculptural Ellery silhouette. Crop tops (it wouldn’t be Spring 2014 without them) featured long sleeves that flared out from the elbow. Billowing flared pants, worn so effectively by Hanne Gaby Odiele in Ellery’s Fall campaign, made a return, giving a sharp pinstripe suit the vague outline of a fishtail gown.
But back to those textiles. Weightless silk organza, metallic striped gauze, wood-grain lamé, satin foam and hand sewn netted sequins were all used to create an incandescent sense of decadence and depth. In addition, Contemporary Artist Ben Baretto was commissioned by the designer to recreate his works into bespoke panels, which have then been artfully inserted into garments.
That appreciation for couture detailing should work in Ellery’s favour when it comes to putting together the official schedule of future Paris Fashion Week seasons. At present, Ellery is part of the official off-schedule for newcomers, and will graduate to the official calendar depending on her level of success. We have faith.
Images courtesy of EVH PR
