Fall 2011 marked the first time that Sonia Rykiel creative director Natalie Rykiel took her runway bow without her mother, so one has to wonder whether Sonia Rykiel, who is eighty years old, had the same level of involvement in the final runway looks that she has in the past. The season’s collection marked a departure for the brand, which is usually brimming with quirks and cheeky tees. Even the models, who usually cheerily take to the Rykiel runway seemed to be feeling more somber this season.
In line with the tartan and plaids we saw so prominently in London, Rykiel went with a British school girl influence for Fall 2011, showing a collection overflowing with tartans, argyle, plaids, and patent heels.
The gamine nature that has made Sonia Rykiel a Parisian favorite wasn’t completely abandoned, however, as the British staple prints were done with nods of humor – think a head-to-toe tartan suit and a plaid look worn with a hot pink fox stole.
Knits are a huge part of the Sonia Rykiel business so it was surprising not to see more of them this season, but there were nonetheless a few moments of classic Rykiel with rhinestone accents, an oversized bow-topped sweater, a striped sequin cocktail dress, as well as a lingerie-inspired one.
Photos: Vincenzo Grillo, IMAXtree.
