Dirk Bikkembergs: From Sportswear To Sports Couture
By Randal Jacobs
Photos by Giovanni Pucci

MILAN, Jun 28, 2004/ FW/ --- Who says sportswear, cannot be couture? Dirk Bikkembergs has enhanced sportswear into sports couture.

In a dimly lit room with only the sound of a grand piano playing classic tunes, it was obvious that the show was something different from what we usually expect from Dirk Bikkembergs.

The show began with a description and comments about each garment as the model entered the room only to stand on a platform of turf.

Opening with classic warm up suits in white and red tailored to the body, followed by shorts and well tapered trousers styled with fitted classic polo shirts, Dirk Bikkembergs gave homage to the Great Gatsby.

And of course, there was the much-awaited twist to his sensual bikini bottoms teamed with great cashmere long sleeved tops --- one of the things that made the Belgian-born designer famous.

The entire collection was full of surprises when models entered the room two at a time in suits that showed off Bikkembergs’ diversity of fabrication and tailoring.

Not shying away from black, yet not forgetting it is springtime, the color palette of the collection ranged from classic black to electric green.

The collection ended classically showcasing white blazers accompanied by torn jeans and silk floral print collared shirts.

Dirk Bikkembergs has another winner in his hand as he proposed high performance fabrics with high style looks come Spring 2005.