Artist James Lee Byars informed the latest Fall 2019 collection from Ann Demeulemeester. Inspired by the artist’s “Giants” installations, creative director Sebastian Meunier sent forth an array of maxi dresses and slightly deconstructed suits that evoked an elongated sense of elegance. Romantic doesn’t even begin to describe how each of these willowy frocks wafted on to the runway in such sophisticated serenity. Granted there was a 70s feel to them, they were made all the more contemporary with the eye-popping palette of purple, rose, crimson, anise green, and the house’s trustworthy black and white. The collection remained largely ardent, save for a couple of deconstructed numbers that conveyed tension and attitude—the irreplaceable angst of the Ann Demeulemeester sensibility. Some crushed velvet and fluid baroque looks allowed a classic touch to dominate the rosy section of the line, raking in a sophistication that’s more traditional than what is expected from the brand. But in essence, this was an exceptionally beautiful offering that offered fluidity, serenity, and emotion in a tense time of turmoil.
Photo: Alessandro Lucioni / Gorunway.com