TAKE TWO: The Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode, French fashion’s governing body, continues to ramp up its support of emerging designers. Integrating international brands for the first time, its Sphere showroom, which debuted in January, replacing Designers Apartment, showcases eight young labels in its second edition, five of which are also showing on the official calendar this Paris Fashion Week.
Swiss designer Kévin Germanier, a finalist for last year’s LVMH Prize, is among the international entrants with his flamboyant collection made from upcycled and deadstock materials.
With wholesale prices ranging from 80 euros to 5,000 euros, the designer’s stockists include Matchesfashion.com.
Also Nigerian designer Kenneth Ize, who made his Paris runway debut earlier in the week, was hoping to pick up international clients through the showroom. “I’m ready for market, I want people to know that,” he said.
Returning designer Juan Hernandez Daels, of equestrian-inspired contemporary label Sadaels, offered a collection incorporating rosette motifs into exclusive prints on velvet and silk, as well as reworked gaucho pants and accessories inspired by his native Argentina.
For his third collection, Alexandre Blanc added volume to his Thirties-inspired lineup with heavy draping, contrasting this with his print pieces based on paintings.
“I’m really impressed with
Follow WWD on Twitter or become a fan on Facebook.