Franck Sorbier’s couture collection for winter 2013-2014 is full of hope and spirituality.
This collection was inspired by a trip to the Basilique St Denis and the reading of “Books of Hours”. With these “Books of Hours”, Flemish and Italian primitives, as well as English, Spanish, German and French, have resurfaced. I’m fascinated by the portraits of these figures who look far away, as if detached from space-time.
But what exactly is a “Book of Hours”? Intended for the laity, these illustrated manuscripts first appeared in France and the southern Netherlands during the 13th century. They make it possible to follow the evolution of the liturgy throughout the year, as well as the psalms, the Gospels and special offices.
As such, they provide important documentation on life at the end of the Middle Ages.
The most remarkable of these are the Hours of Charles d’Angoulême, the Grandes Heures d’Anne de Bretagne and the very rich Hours of the Duc de Berry, masterpieces by Robinet Testard, Jean Bourdichon, the Limbourg brothers and Barthélémy d’Eyck.
It’s a journey through time, transporting us into the naively refined world of illuminated manuscripts. Colorful miniatures and flowery calligraphy adorn the fragile, delicate leaves.
Franck Sorbier wanted to pay homage to the “Maestria” of the weavers, lacemakers, passementiers and ennoblers who made the heyday of Haute Couture, and who are inspiring new vocations. There’s light in the fabrics. They exude a quiet splendor, a preserved sumptuousness and a beneficent grace.
In the Middle Ages, paradise was often represented in the form of a walled garden.
Today, troubadours and minstrels, damsels and damoiseaux, squires and pages, gentlewomen and knights gather here to celebrate Haute Couture winter 2013-2014 in your company.
Photo credit: © Piero Biasion
Cette publication est également disponible en : Français (French)
