Paris and fashion are synonymous. The city has served as the home for some of the world’s most famous fashion houses including Dior, Chanel, Louis Vuitton and more. French women have that je ne se quoi (that little something that can not be described). Their natural chicness radiates style and confidence that we can’t help but covet. The city, and its women, continue to inspire artists today including the recent collection by San Antonio designer, Leighton Whittington. His recent collection showcased under Leighton W. Couture was entitled, “Je Suis Une Femme” meaning “I Am Woman” and celebrated iconic French style filled with smoldering sensuality.
The collection was showcased at BRICK at Blue Star and incorporated a range of silhouettes for the every day Parisian woman including daytime, work, evening and bridal with a color palette consisting of whites, reds, navy and black.
“All of the fabrics in this collection have been manufactured exclusively for us in Paris and has been constructed ninety percent by hand,” said Whittington. “We use traditional Japanese silk chiffons, French silks, crepe, lots of lace, tweed, classic knits and cotton poplin.”
While Whittington’s previous collection was inspired by the Catholic Church and the “lack of a place of power for women within it,” this year’s collection continued the theme of female empowerment but spoke more towards the “reclaiming of this power.”
“This year is quite a departure from last year,” said Whittington. “Last year our collection was entitled “Salvation.” It consisted of 22 looks in all black with gold accents. It was quite beautiful but somewhat dark in its tone as a lot of its references came from the gothic era of the church.”
Whittington turned to French icons such as Edith Piaf, 1800’s ballet dancer Cleo De Merode and Coco Chanel for his muses this year as well as heavy influences from French fashion giants Yves Saint Laurent and Givenchy. Whittington even strived to capture the atmosphere of France in his runway design which also included a French singer leading up to the show.
A distinct air of seduction was prominent throughout with several looks being lingerie-meets-daywear. While, a youthful aesthetic could also be seen in the show’s entry looks. The working woman was also not left wanting with several choices available including a stunning embellished jacket.
Whittington continued to play with transparency and textures appealing to the provocative nature of women throughout the show.
The evening was concluded with a dramatic serenade by one of the models as his final look, a stunning bridal gown, came across the runway.
“In a sense, we are following a young woman through every phase of her life,” said Whittington.
And, what a chic life it is.
To learn more about Leighton Whittington visit his website here.
Photography Provided By:
Leave a Reply