CHARLES ANASTASE

I've read a lot of blogs, comments, articles about his past few collections and I feel as though as his LFW shows as a product/reflection of his creativity don't serve the purpose of his vision. He is always a surprise and maybe that is not always a good thing. Although you cannot undermine his flair, his SS10 collection was a big of mixed balls yet photos from his AW10 transcend a strong sense of growth. Besides the obvious differences like more composed attention to production (scarily painted models to warn us of the dangers of climate change clad in heavily felted wools), the thesis of the collection; "Winter Garden" is visually prevalent and consistent through every look.


I actually like this look the most - probably because I like the soft Ice blue juxtaposed with blood red - garnished with lashings of black for an edgy and ethereal feel. Anastase is probably one of the remaining few who know how to mix hard and light with thought and focus. For me, the elongated proportion of the fitted blue dress reflects the planet in its most simple, basic, organic and purest form; oxygen and the blood-red stockings embody the legs of man and the dark stained shoes encapsulate the demise of our planet. I don't think it is hard to diffuse Anastase's message and it is comforting to know that there is a philosophy to fashion beyond naif appliques and blanketlike coats.