PARIS, Feb 1, 2006/ FW/ --- Showing only once a year during the haute couture season, Fred Sathal’s presence on the calendar is always a delight as the designer presents an alternative view of haute couture.

Haute couture has always been associated with the words ‘luxurious’ and ‘opulence’. Fred Sathal’s point of view brings an added facet as the designer highlights a different culture other than the western world.

This time, it was homage to Africa without the furs and leopard skins. Rather, it was the rich costumes of the continent and the regality of its people, including European dressing as the white men colonized the area.

With models wearing tribe markings tattooed on their skins with glittery crystals, Fred Sathal played on volume and texture using artisan techniques of beading, embroidery and original prints.

Delicate lace became wild to echoing the flora and fauna of Africa while caftans were layered thin, representing leaves and barks of trees.

Headdresses remind you of birds’ nests, artistically created with fabric, yarn and feathers. Pant suits literally and figuratively resembled tree roots on earth.

The silhouette was predominantly slim with a wild haunting beauty. It is not for the faint of heart for someone to wear it. Yet no one can deny the fact the craftsmanship that was used to create this collection.

Fred Sathal

Fred Sathal

Fred Sathal

Fred Sathal