Meu Amor por Barbara Casasola
The best surprise of last year’s collection, Barbara Casasola is one of my favorite presentations of FASHION week. She’s not a “big name” yet, but a lot of people believe in her (Giovanna Battaglia, to name but one), and I don’t think that’s insignificant.
I’m at a loss for words to express my love for the Brazilian designer’s creations. After a warm welcome, she presented me with the garments herself, because after all, that’s exactly how Barbara makes you feel. A lot of warmth and passion for her exceptional work.
I was initially surprised by the bright colors she had chosen for this collection: pink, fuschia, candy pink, in contrast to the more austere palette of her past collection. She explains that she herself can’t stand fuschia, but that she was possessed by the need to use this color. Not unlike the creations of the great Elsa Schiaparelli, I’m convinced that Barbara is following in her footsteps.
With her grandiose drapes, she tells me she wanted to make a “Madame Grès meets Helmut Lang from the ’90s” collection, two references that also came to mind. Helmut Lang for the stitching found on some of the garments, the designer’s signature, and Madame Grès for the majesty of her dresses.
The technique is as present as ever, but Barbara decides to spice things up by adding details that reveal her dexterity: double-stitched braiding on the collar, pocket inclusions and seams as invisible as ever. The silhouettes are a little less strict than in her previous collection, and the garments are modular. For example, I see a lined dress that can also be worn as a top. With their off-the-shoulder shape, Barbara Casasola’s garments are a little more charming and seductive this season. For the pleasure of the eyes, and for the pleasure of the heart.
Mary Yasmine Arrouche
Cette publication est également disponible en : Français (French)
