The fall show by designer Abra showcases a collection inspired by nostalgic shopping trips, blending whimsy and modern aesthetics.
The Paris leg of the Fashion Week circuit kicked off with the fall show by designer Abraham Ortuño Perez, affectionately known as Abra. The designer’s label, named after his childhood nickname, serves as an autobiographical exploration that reflects his deep-rooted connections to fashion, inspired largely by his youthful experiences accompanying his mother on special occasion shopping trips.
In a phone conversation with Vogue, Ortuño Perez shared that the essence of his latest collection is rooted in nostalgic memories of those excursions to boutiques where items were often touted as being “from Paris.” He recalled, “They made you feel like you were buying the most special thing,” adding that it evokes the experience of being from a small town and acquiring something as prestigious as imported fashion.
The designer’s collection is not merely a retrospective but an imaginative endeavor aimed at eliciting a sense of wanderlust and aspiration in fashion. He aimed to create a lineup that mirrors the allure of high-fashion cities like Paris, reflecting the emotions he and his mother experienced in local boutiques. “It’s a fashion lover, not a victim,” he described the target audience, indicating a desire to uplift and empower women through his designs.
The show featured a vibrant array of pieces, starting with innovative faux fur coats that transformed models into whimsical representations of roses. Although fur textures have been a recurring theme on various runways this season, Ortuño Perez’s unique perspective added an element of playful originality. Additionally, a series of dual-purpose coats, both in fur and gabardine, paid homage to the ’80s Working Girl aesthetic while adapting it for contemporary tastes with rounded shoulders and leggings instead of pencil skirts.
Other standout designs included denim jackets and trench coats creatively cut to reveal their backs, along with cropped leather jackets paired with catsuits, which hinted at a modern twist on the iconic Jane Fonda workout aesthetic. Despite having established himself in the ready-to-wear market over the past six years, Ortuño Perez’s recent collection goes beyond serving as a platform for his popular accessories, such as the satin ballet flat sneakers that have gained popularity in both New York and Paris.
The finale of the show showcased a trio of striking lamé dresses, featuring intricate draping, asymmetrical cuts, and a voluminous crinoline skirt adorned with uneven ruffles. These standout pieces reflect the kind of artistry and innovation that could easily attract attention in high-end fashion boutiques, appealing to devoted fashion enthusiasts. The collection illustrates Ortuño Perez’s ability to merge his past influences with contemporary design sensibilities, solidifying his place in the ongoing fashion narrative of Paris.
Source: Noah Wire Services
