THE STORY
LA VIE EST BELLE
The collection depicts influences from the late 19th and early 20th century, a time known as ‘Belle Epoch’ (Beautiful era), whilst honouring their regal silhouettes from collections past. A period where the young, fashionable and social elite would set off on bi-annual pilgrimages to London, Paris and New York by way of sea. One of the most renowned vessels of this time was the legendary Titanic.
The Art Nouveau movement of this century brought statement sleeves, exquisite neckwear and grace-ful floral embroidery, emulated in the I’m Rose, Queen of the World design. Rambunctious ruffles and luxurious lace fabrics were a design gift from the most famous Parisian Couturiers, who would dress women of international royal courts, high society and actresses of the Paris stage. Commercial clients included the grandest department stores at an international level.
Elegant evening gowns fit for a night of dinner and dance, were made of the finest fabrics in softer pastel hues. Mischka Aoki creates memorable masterpieces in pastel ocean blues, soft sunset pinks and delicate virtuous whites. Famous Couturier, Paul Poiret’s collection of Fauve paintings influenced more vibrant colour ways during this time; Mischka Aoki celebrates this with the use of ravenous reds and Atlantic Ocean blues, which makes the Heart of the Ocean gown fit for any grand staircase en-trance.
Magnificent millinery designed by Paul Poiret for the Ballet Russes influences the brands showstopper headpieces, as well as intricately embellished hosiery. Neckwear has been modernised to move on from the previous century inspired ruffs, to an adornment of detailed three dimensional florals, exem-plified on the For Eternity dress.
The brand introduces text embroidered fabric into the collection this season; as seen on the La Vie Est Belle. Inspired by Typography art used within the Dada movement of the 20th century which fol-lowed slightly later; this can also be seen in the logo branded, beaded belt created to intensify any en-semble.
With the overwhelming success of the ‘Harrod’s Rarity Project’ gown, Mischka Aoki naturally had to provide their devotees with another outstanding creation - The Maiden Voyage dress has been de-signed to take centre attraction of any ballroom.