MILAN, Feb 22, 2007/ FW/ --- In a collection entitled ‘Phase Change Materials,’ to highlight its new ‘smart’ fabrics, Belstaff did more than that as it slowly ‘phased’ in new materials other than leather in the pieces shown.

Adding fur, rubber, cotton canvas, wax cotton and tweed into the mix, tonight’s Belstaff runway show is high energy and dynamic.

Cigarette pants that were given tiny pleats so as not to constrict movement, leather leggings that can actually be worn as is, the collection is futuristic at times but never straying too far from the Belstaff code that dates back 80 years into the past.

When you have a label with a rich history and heritage such as Belstaff, one has just to look into the archives to get inspiration. And that is what exactly what Belstaff did. Only this time, it presented a new vision, drawing from today’s technology while defining a new expression of femininity.

Fur blouson adorned with leather, biker jackets in gray leather were given darts at the waist to emphasize the female shape, and quilted bomber jackets made from polypropylene was given a drawstring at the hem instead of ribbing.

A-line minis were given a little sheer for volume, while pencil skirts were very short so as not to restrict movement. Trench coats were generously cut, the skirt almost ending into a bouffant though it kept its structure.

Seeing the pieces done both in leather and a different material was something new this season. Very protective of its house codes, Belstaff made sure that any silhouette that was reproduced wherein the original was made of leather, it was given the same high tech treatments the company does for leather.

Belstaff

Belstaff

Belstaff

Belstaff