Its astounding the type of opportunities present themselves to you based on the individuals you choose to keep in your close company. Thus was my initial thought when Vince asked me if I would like to accompany him, his wife and Mrs. Euro-FF to the Fall/Winter 2009 Haute Couture Fashion Show put on by Amsterdam’s top design house, Monique Collignon. Not only was I invited to the show, but I also got back-stage access before the show started. Never would I have imagined a few months ago that I would be living in Europe, attending Fashion Shows and writing runway reviews, but God works in mysterious ways. And although I wasn’t able to Live-Tweet this show the way I did the Burberry Prorsum Spring/Summer 2010 one from London, I did get a ton of wicked photos. I would like to express my gratitude to both Vince from La Biosthetique and the House of Monique Collignon for this dope opportunity. Click Continue Reading to browse the entire story.
the setting
The show took place on the MC Global Headquarters, in Amsterdam’s city center. The front square was transformed with white tent and white carpet treatment, and an open bar served the modest crowd of about 65 people with an assortment of drinks to choose from, along with a fine array of hors d’oeuvres passed around via shirt-and-tie servers. Apparently, there were some big time Dutch celebrities in attendance, but as I can’t even speak the language yet, let alone recognize a famous person, I’m sure I rubbed elbows with some important people!
back-stage
The upper level of the MC Building was transformed into a bustling change room, with models getting their hair and make-up touched up, getting their outfits put on, and lining up for the show which was to begin in a few minutes. To be honest, I felt incredibly intimidated by all these gorgeous girls around me, with some very important people running around finalizing last minute details. As I was pointing my camera to grab a shot of the shoes lined-up along the wall, I heard a voice in Dutch behind me, talking directly to me. “Sorry, I only speak English”, was my simple reply. A well-dressed woman asked me who I was there with, and once accepting my response, she introduced herself to me with an out-stretched hand: “My name is Monique, I’m the Designer. Please don’t take photos of the models changing”… Yup, definitely put my camera away right after that, until I was back in the ambiance of downstairs.
the show
The show in-itself had a very interesting concept, as the models strutted right through the crowd of people, walking a t-shaped pattern between on-lookers. Mrs. Euro-FF and I got a wicked spot at the very front, and though the photos ended up a little blurry, I got an amazing view of the entire collection.
the collection
As a whole, the Haute Couture collection for this season brings to mind one phrase: less is more, and bold. Without too many frills and gimmicks (sans the lace-lens shades), the pieces featured were offered and two primary colors; red and black. The bold aspect to every ensemble was prevalent in the over-the-top satin-topped shoes, the extremely detailed leggings, and the somewhat subtle use of opposite textures and patterns combined on the same item. The make-up and hair reminded me of a very goth-chic look, with smokey eyes and mega-dark lips. Overall, jewelry and other accessories were kept to a minimum, in order for full appreciation of the textiles to come through.
10.18.09
