Yohji Yamamoto

Yohji Yamamoto presented his first exceptional Y’s show in Beijing in the Forbidden City at the end of April in aid of his “Yohji Yamamoto Foundation for Peace”. The Japanese designer created 58 outfits especially for the occasion, several of which were sold at auction to raise money for this foundation whose aim is to support young Chinese creativity. This event marks the beginning of other festivities linked to the selection of fashion designers across the world who are supporting the “Yohji Yamamoto Foundation for Peace”.

Summer08shows

During the latest summer 2008 shows, designers have made time for shininess making men turn into urban stars. Therefore the suit is available in a shimmering version, mainly in gold or copper as at Louis Vuitton and D&G. Outfits glisten in white, a touch of sparkle is added just enough to grey and satiny black is the chicest option for the evening.

Kitsuné

Between trendy and classic, Kitsuné, meaning “fox” in Japanese, is both a recognised record label and a clothing brand using luxury materials, which already sold in the four corners of the world. The founders Gildas Loaec and Masaya Kuroki opened their first store in Paris last March, just a stone’s throw from Palais Royal, where you can discover their world and their various collaborations.

Dimitris Alexakis

At the forefront of Athenian fashion, Dimitris Alexakis and Grigoris Triantafyllou form the duo of Deux Hommes. Throughout their process of design they always take elements from their Greek roots and transform them into contemporary creations, with a style between ready-to-wear and couture. Their current aim is to expand into the centre of the European market.

Italo Zucchelli

Italo Zucchelli remains faithful to the image created at Calvin Klein, which is to say: minimalist. The general look of the silhouette remains uncluttered but the work on the materials is well-researched, most notably with the use of fabrics which change colour with the heat of the body. Shoulders are square and this season’s new trousers are somewhere between horse-riding and stretch ski pants…the materials mix and fit together giving style to this male wardrobe.

Angelos Bratis

Young up-and-coming designer Angelos Bratis has produced 24 models for 24 hours of the day with a wardrobe composed of black dresses for morning, noon and night. Born in Athens and now just 30 years old, he did part of his studies in Greece and part at the Arnhem Institute in the Netherlands. He likes simple and uncluttered shapes, favouring cuts on the bias and natural materials. His collections are always very feminine and this one for autumn winter 08/09 is no exception.

Donna Karan

A floaty line at Donna Karan adapts fluid materials and soft volumes. The silk-satin wrap dress is the master piece of the collection, super supple and belted with a ribbon. A certain nonchalance seems to reign over this show in all its softness, dominated by shades ranging from amethyst to topaz to grey. An oversized handmade jumper warms up little chiffon dresses and the coats made with rows of multicoloured fabric look like fur.