Spring 2014 Season
Jeu de Pomme, Paris Saturday September 28th.
by Pikke Allen
The interesting thing about this show was the fact that you could hear a pin drop in the room as the audience waited in eager anticipation; then, the models quietly eased down the runway wearing sweaters and ensembles that were a combination of cashmere, fur and leather with shapes and colors reflecting an acute urban sensibility. Both cutting edge and luxurious these ensembles were both sexy and sensual, yet practical and wearable.
What made the sweaters, a rather standard sort of item so unique and interesting? It was the combination of shapes and silhouettes that were inspired by the Japanese idea of wrapping and the element of mystery. At the same time, the sense of the fabrics had structure and pattern, depth and a sculptural quality that made them more than fashion, more than sweaters. They were a cultural statement about ease of the modern urban life and how easily it could be lived just by putting one on.
Ahh...so comfortable and quietly elegant; these pieces were worn by people of a certain sort. You could almost hear the ice clink in the cocktail glasses or feel the warmth of a cup of delicious cappucino a you sat in your elegant cafe chair in these arresting combinations. Were they sweaters or couture sportswear? The line was blurred between the concept of one or the other. It didn’t matter, as designer Andrea Karg invites you to experience this unique world of luxurious urban sweaters to be surprised, astonished and seduced. She won over the audience who applauded her beautiful work in the end. I was totally new to this work and so had a fresh eye to it. I was taken in by her mixture of materials, with the base of cashmere and the luxury of leather used to both structure the pieces and also the woven contrasts to remind you that she was using knitwear to its fullest capabilities.
These looks will be very inspirational to many artists and creators who are working on extending the life of knitwear beyond the boundries. I am now a true fan and plan to put her on my "who to watch" list.
To see more of Andrea's work, please go to this website at:http://www.allude-cashmere.com/de
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