Fashion Blog

PARIS, Jun 29, 2008 / FW/ — Armand Basi and Bernhard Wilhelm represent the opposite sides of the spectrum when it comes to fashion. Armand Basi with his traditional cuts and classic suits and Bernhard Wilhelm who always pushes the envelope bordering on bizarre at times identify the wide range of creativity of designers showing in Paris.

Armand Basi

With his collection of minimalistic, cool toned suits and breezy tunic button-downs, Armand Basi’s Spring/Summer collection was relaxing and interesting. The modern lines of his suits accented the male figure, specifically his high waisted, cuffed shorts. Most uniquely, however, Basi dressed a man in a drop-waist, cinched dress. All of his ensembles were finished with a pair of brightly colored, specially made shoes. Lastly, a detail that is seen in other shows and seen as another trend this season - the double collar creating a faux layering effect.

Bernhard Wilhelm

This extremely bizarre collection for the Bernhard Wilhelm team was something we would only see in Paris. The pieces were all reflections of the Renaissance era with regal yet space age looking costumes. The color palette was rather feminine in greys and pinks, golds and blacks, lavender, silver, and taupe. T

he silhouettes were usually bottom heavy using highly bloussoned shorts with applied, modern cargo pockets in the back. We saw lots of layering over leggings of contrasting bold prints and waist cinching. Also, many of the looks were finished with tennis shoes, a modern juxtaposition against the strange Renaissance theme.

Bernhard Wilhelm did follow the trend of blurring the gender roles in fashion by dressing many of the models in very feminine looks with feathers and lace.

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Armand Basi

Bernhard Wilhelm