PARIS, Oct 3, 2007 / FW / --- Costume National fans was in for a pleasant surprise today with the label’s Spring 2008 collection wherein Ennio Capasa decided to play with colors sending purple, yellow, pink and coral rose on the runway to complement the signature black and different shades of gray of Costume National.

And with going with the colors of the season, Ennio Capasa also went softer, more feminine, a definite departure from the trademark precise sexiness of the label.

In a season where quiet elegance is a very strong trend, Ennio Capasa took on the challenge by proposing this very femme collection while keeping the house codes of Costume National and adding new ones.

Asymmetrical mini skirts paired with tailored blouses that sported baby collars evokes innocence and sophistication at the same time. Meanwhile, the purple shorts and double-breasted jacket paired together suggests being a young adult who wants to be taken seriously. Capasa even tried his hand in fluid silhouettes, as exemplified by the sarong-inspired gowns.

And although a strange phenomenon is happening in Paris right now, wherein designers are choosing not to tell a story, Ennio Capasa begged to differ and chose a message, ‘growing up.’

Costume National is 21 years old, having been established in 1986. Since its founding, it has become a ‘full line’ fashion house offering womenswear, menswear and accessories, plus its youthful line ‘C’N’C’ that also offers womenswear and menswear.

Capasa has to differentiate the two, hence his move to make the primary line ‘Costume National’ more grown up is logical.

Speaking of 21 years in fashion, Costume National also held a cocktail party at its rue Cambon location tonight, celebrating the label’s 21st anniversary. Ennio Capasa also his book about Costume National that traces the history of the house since its founding up to today.

Costume National

Costume National

Costume National

Costume National