From the minute the invitation popped through the letterbox, I knew we would be in for a whimsical treat from Bora Aksu. A neat little notebook adorned with a fanciful illustration served as the invite, and I could predict that a romantic and beautiful collection was to come.
A new technological edge was married to romantic elements, creating a collection that looked like the love child of Edward Scissorhands and Marie Antoinette. The collection embraced the innocence, angst, and confidence of late adolescence: icy blue and lilac body-con dresses were teamed with black leggings to add a tough edge. Jackets had textures that brought bark to mind, paired with peplum skirts to create lantern shapes. Iridescent foil shades of copper and black made an appearance, offsetting the romantic shades of lavender, peaches, dusky pink, and blush. Dresses were teeming with ruffles, whereas others had knitted spider web details entwining the body.
Like nymphs, the models floated down the catwalk in plunging pastel numbers gathered at the waist with a distinct romantic element in the form of tulle and capes. The fairytale characters’ sickly sweet palette took on a sinister twist as shapes contorted with thick wire to provide an unconventional beauty.
Dresses received the Midas touch as gold frocks came down the runway with the other ethereal delights. Disheveled looks with powdery pastels sent the audience into a dream-like state, and confirmed Bora Aksu as the master of contradiction. Earth tones of browns and copper added spice to the sugary color palette, as sharp-shouldered mini dresses skimmed the thighs with black paneled tights and sky-high mary janes.
Dusky piping, sheer panels, and lace entwined and were shredded, slashed, whipped, and ruffled to create pieces infused with the Bora Aksu signature and a dark fairytale essence. We were awakened from our Bora Aksu dream with the sudden turning on of the lights, with an undeniable lust for this collection – which I’m sure will see the fashion flock clamouring to get once the season begins.
Images courtesy of the Fashion Spot forums.
