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.

Dreyfuss

A meeting at the Première Classe Fair with designer Jérôme Dreyfuss who proposes different volumes for next winter, from supersized bags to clutches. The designer responds to every girl’s needs in creating accessories for every minute of the day, with many clever ideas including the detachable wallet and pockets for a mobile phone or ipod. He can be found in his completely new first shop in St Germain, Paris.

Dress code

As goes the dress code for summer 2008, the emphasis is without doubt on the shoulders. Women with small frames can stand proud in a low-cut jacket with the “strict but elegant” allure of the Yves Saint Laurent secretaries, the minimalist and futurist look at Martin Margiela, or with the rigid and built-up shoulder pads at Alexander McQueen. Those who prefer rounded shapes can opt for “balloon” sleeves as seen on the spotty dresses by Christian Lacroix or on the structured jackets by Christian Dior. Another way to show off the shoulders is with asymmetry. Roman goddess style dresses are at the forefront with the return of the toga, worn supersized at Gianfranco Ferré. Frilled straps, a great classic, make a statement at Lanvin. Bare shoulders are the real trend for this summer with the strapless bustier dress.