The Arts and Crafts Society of Paris commissioned Manish Arora to design a collection as part of its rebranding strategy in an attempt to persuade local hipsters to invest in a pair of knitting needles and start perfecting their cross stitch.
Otherwise known as the designer’s offering for spring, Arora paid homage to the adage, ‘more is more’, through a lineup oversaturated with all kinds of ornamentation and embellishments, all with a futuristic vibe.
Combing a mix of Middle Eastern influences in bubblegum hues, the label presented a suite of oversized sweatshirts, bomber jackets and cycling shorts emblazoned with 3-D flower appliques, while fluorescent eye and nose-ringed goddess were featured on tops and relaxed-fit shifts.
Although the mix would not prove very functional for a trip to outer space, the show had an otherworldly, galactic feel, with looks such as silver bike shorts and glittery embellished paneled top teamed with a black sheer hooded cap, with stacked reflective lug soles completing the space cadet look.
A standout included a strappy floor length lilac maxi dress, given a haute couture edge through intricate beading detailing and paired with a sporty trucker cap.
Also a crowd please was a pretty A-line skirt covered in a rose print, styled with an eye-print white bandeau and floral bomber jacket.
The show’s OTT ornamentation gave way to a series of wearable white separates – including maxis and t-shirt dresses – featuring a tribal goddess print, sure to fly off the shelves come spring.
Accessories were key to rounding out the journey into the world of spiritual mysticism, with embroidered backpacks, water bottle belts and hats created from scarves allowing the designer to exercise his knack for complicating colorful basics.
In a collection with enough trippy iridescent elements to tire even the most die-hard Burning Man attendee, Arora’s penchant for craft is sure to delight Etsy aficionados everywhere.
