PARIS, Oct 1, 2007 / FW/ --- It was quite a surprise to attend the AF Vandervost runway show in the largest of all possible Paris venues at the Palais Omnisports de Paris Bercy, the covered stadium where some international ice skating competitions, showing of Verdi’s Aida or concert of Madonna are usually taking place. This reasonably sized designers’ house has made the most out of it in a stunning show that is certainly marking a turn in their career.

The models lit by individual spotlights that were later to follow them in the arena appeared at the same time at each of the public entrances in the stadium before they descended steep staircases to reach the huge ring that the seated audience was forming to the sound of African-inspired drums.

An unusual staging to present a work that is, this season, as delicate as usually, but on a new tone deliberately bright, to add a sparkle to a serious brainwork and architecture. Take the first three exits: the tradition of simplified achievement on underwear by the designing duo is still there, wrapped up this time in impressive see-through smoked plastic trench coats and outfits, giving the impression that the bodies they are softly encaging are like caught up in another layer of glimmering material.

The girls dressed by AF Vandervost for this next summer might well be living in some exotic country, they still want to maintain a certain level of elegance and refinement. This could be why they wanted, in a hot atmosphere, to cover up the layer of underwear with pieces which, one way or another, evoke freshness, lightness, or enhance the slight breeze.

These coquettes like to adopt and mix prints of white and grey patterns, a vertical dégradé of greys from white to black, or even a very forties like print of black and brown.

Light to wear sun pleated dresses in brighter shades of mauve or yellow add up to the effect of the cooling breeze around the body, just like small drapings moulfd the shapes to let the fabric float lightly at strategic places.

A fresh impression for a hot summer vibrating with rhythm, voluptuous with fabrics, ingenuous with proportions, elegant with prints and structures in a sober and yet upbeat manner.

AF Vandevorst

AF Vandevorst

AF Vandevorst

AF Vandevorst

AF Vandevorst

AF Vandevorst