Delvaux F15 (1)From the press notes:

This winter, Delvaux goes architectural. Graphic lines, clean cuts, and unexpected contrasts define a collection inspired by modern and contemporary Belgian architecture and its most innovative and radical expressions.

This architectural approach reflects a continuum of a long-established history of collaborations with renowned architects who have contributed to the elaboration of design concepts that have become house icons-notably, with Paule Goethals who, in 1958, designed the famous “Le Brillant” handbag.

Driven as always by the spirit of innovation that is constantly building on a tradition of celebrated quality, Delvaux reinvents some of its classic designs this season, with the accent, as ever, on the extreme luxury of the materials that lend vibrancy to the collection.

“Le Givry” and “Le Pin” are now available in mini versions for an even more modern and casual look, while “Le Brillant” comes in a sportier, more supple version in Sellier leather, featuring a new removable shoulder strap attached on top of the flap.

Requiring craftsmanship of the utmost delicacy and precision, exotic and exclusive leathers are more than ever a signature of the house. Handbags and accessories are given an exceptional character, thanks to the refined and precious quality of Galuchat, Astrakan, Alligator, Lizard, Ostrich and Hairy Calf. These exotic leathers-which are sometimes mixed, such as smooth Python with shiny Alligator and Ostrich, or Velvet Calf with shiny Alligator-lend a genuine singularity to Delvaux’s creations.

With its radical approach, the season is a vision of contrasts – with pairings of matte and shiny; a mélange of textures; interplays of dark and light, or tone on tone; and juxtapositions of materials that highlight patterns and surfaces.

Thanks to the many colour-enhancing materials featured in this collection, the high-gloss look is very prominent, with glassy liquid effects such as the shine of patent leather, among others.

While the timeless colours, Nude, Végétal and Tourterelle, are present, as always, others are also given their due, such as Kaki, bridging the men’s and women’s collections. The accent is on dense and deep colours, notably Rose Indien and Bleu de Prusse, which are given the star treatment this season.

Inspired by the art of Pierre Soulages, this seaon’s use of black is hardly an afterthought, dominating in the play of tone-on-tone textures, or in combination with blue, in dégradé patterns with a chiaroscuro effect.

Photos courtesy of Delvaux