MILAN, Feb 24, 2007/ FW/ --- The setting was spartan with concentric circles of neon lights as the backdrop and a black runway. The music was electrifying and a sense of foreboding that comes only when watching sci-fi movies filled the room when white smoke slowly crept on the floor.

So, when the first model came out wearing an all black ensemble of skin tight pants and sculpted trench coat, her hair platinum blonde coiffed very similar to Princess Leia of the Star Wars fame, one immediately knew that this was going to be a high-concept and high energy show.

Inspired by the Kunsthaus Graz by architects Peter Cook and Colin Fournier and the pseudo-cybernetic high-tech illustrations of Hajime Sorayama, Byblos Creative Director Manuel Facchini fused these diverse concepts to create a unique and original vision that is very futuristic.

Pencil cut micro minis layered over with big sculpted ruffles, snug fitting jackets with fitted peplums, deep U-neck pullovers with tubular piping as adornment, and pageboy trousers with quilted leaf-like extensions – it is a vision of the future that has never been seen before.

Usually, Hollywood inspires designers. Facchini turned the tables around – Hollywood will be inspired by this collection! If ever a studio plans a remake of ‘Blade Runner,’ Manuel Facchini should be on top of the list for costume designer.

But, don’t think that there is something from ‘Blade Runner,’ in this collection, because there is none. This is totally Facchini’s vision and that is what makes it very exciting and attention grabbing.

A strong and coherent collection, Facchini never skipped a beat. Sinuous and fluctuating shapes take form with structural solidity, as he played with volume and texture using origami folds. Details were free of cuts and stitching; hence, even seen close up, the lines and shapes are pure.

This is Manuel Facchini’s second womenswear collection for Byblos, the fourth if one counts the two menswear collection. Debuting at Byblos during the Spring 2007 menswear season last June, Facchini had already demonstrated that he is a worthy heir to the creative geniuses that had taken the helm of the brand.

Established in 1973, Byblos had been dubbed a ‘lab for creativity.’ Past creative directors include Gianni Versace, Martine Sitbon and John Bartlett to name just a few. With just four Byblos collections under his belt, it is already a given that Byblos fans are in for another exciting ride!

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