Peter Copping has captured the true essence of the Nina Ricci style; keeping the attitude of a feminine & sexy French woman. “The label, which was founded upon an Italian woman's perspective of French women, has always focused heavily on soft feminine silhouettes that are both beautiful and wearable.” - Joynt (2010), http://www.textileglobal.com/2011/01/nina-ricci-ss11-paris-fashion-week-the-fashion-spot.html.
The look of this season has a very feminine feel to it which is definitely in keeping with the S/S season’s style, with a simple, toned down colour palette of black, white and deep cappuccino set the grounds to make way for something far more brighter; chartreuse, fuchsia, watermelon and purple made an eye-catching appearance in the designers latest collection.
This season has also taken a dramatic ‘U’ turn when it comes to hemlines – not only is there flouncy short skirts but also a variation of, knee-length and maxi lengths so we can take our pick.
This collection also involves a wide range of silhouettes ruffled blouses and frilled dresses & a finale of short one-shouldered cocktail dresses.
Accessories include pastel leather belts to synch in the waist, simple shoes – High Mary Janes with an ‘X’-strap detail also including floral corsage trims which matched each particular garment. Alongside the garments, a selection of bags were created, including; long-strap shoulder bags & little clutch bags including appliquéd flower trims to match with the shoe range. I think these accessories really finish off the look of this collection!
The whole collection arguably gives the feel of French frivolity although others feel “Peter Copping’s work at Nina Ricci is festinating, he’s managed to pin down the fact that underneath French frivolity beats a very dark art.” – Blanks (2011), http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzubizUr7VQ. This dark side that is referred to in the latter quote is in fact “The woman’s in control but not in an obvious way.” – Copping (2011), http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzubizUr7VQ.
I think the venue was very fitting with a candlelit pathway entrance which gave a nice romantic French feel to the venue. Background was silky light pink fabric draped against the walls only leaving the pillars bar stone showing. The lighting wasn’t so much harsh light but almost dimmed slightly to follow on from the romantic entrance.
I think the soft, feminine collection, as well as including the entrance; the lighting & the set up definitely set the mood for a very romantic feel to the atmosphere.
The catwalk was floor-level based which was in a squared ‘8’-like shape. Ford models - Hanne Gaby Odiele, Kate Kosushkina, and Karmen Pedaru were the most prominent models on the catwalk. Who caught people’s eyes with their very slim, very tall & conventionally pretty figures; it was only their figures that caught people’s eye but also their runway walk, with minimal strutting.
The chosen look was hair was simple, tied back in a low bun styled by Guido for Redken. Make-up was, pink eye-shadow to go with the setting of the background with light amounts of mascara & eye liner. The blusher & lipstick matched the pink eye-shadow however it wasn’t too much to be overly dramatic, make-up styled by Pat McGrath.
I don’t believe that the fashion show was much of a theatrical performance, however the fashion didn’t particularly need the theatrics as the clothing alone was breath-taking enough.
Music done by Steve Mackey its fast tempo and upbeat tune made way models walked at an even pace to the music however I’m not so sure
The audience were floor-level based alongside the run way which can be quite a pain for the people on the back row not being able to see as clearly.
Referencing*:
Phelps, N (2010) “Nina Ricci – Paris Fashion Week 2011” at http://www.style.com/fashionshows/review/F2011RTW-NRICCI/ (Accessed 26th March 2011)
Weil, H (2010) “2011 Fall Paris Fashion Week: Nina Ricci” at http://www.fabsugar.com/Fall-2011-Paris-Fashion-Week-Nina-Ricci-14656920 (Accessed 26th March 2011)
Fabsugar Australia (2010) “2011 A/W Paris Fashion Week: Nina Ricci” at http://www.fabsugar.com.au/Autumn-Winter-2011-Paris-Fashion-Week-Nina-Ricci-Show-Pictures-14667742 (Accessed 26th March 2011)
(2010) “Nina Ricci: Paris Spring 2011 RTW” at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzubizUr7VQ (Accessed 26th March 2011)
(2010) “Nina Ricci Fall 2011 Ready-to-Wear” at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OJ9ms7JD7CA (Accessed 26th March 2011)
Joynt, S (2010) “Nina Ricci S/S11: Paris Fashion Week – The Fashion Spot” at http://www.textileglobal.com/2011/01/nina-ricci-ss11-paris-fashion-week-the-fashion-spot.html(Accessed 26th March 2011)
*Main References