Laura and Deanna Fanning unveil their latest fall collection inspired by the bohemian spirit of Paris in the 1950s, highlighting unique designs and innovative fashion concepts.
Laura and Deanna Fanning recently took the helm of the historic Brasserie Mollard, located near the Saint-Lazare train station in Paris, to unveil their latest fall collection. This venue is recognized as one of the oldest family-run restaurants in the city, adding a layer of cultural significance to the event. Their collection draws inspiration from the life and style of Vali Myers, an Australian dancer who was integral to the bohemian scene of Paris during the 1950s.
The Fanning sisters have observed how Myers’ unconventional and often androgynous aesthetic influenced their work, steering the collection towards a playful and free-spirited direction. Key elements included a blend of retro feminine silhouettes and tomboyish style. In addition to Myers, the duo also found inspiration in the black-and-white photographs captured by Ed Van Der Elksen in his 1956 series “Love of the Left Bank.”
“The way the women put the clothes together felt very fresh to our eyes, even though they were 75 years old. They were on an adventure to discover themselves and realize that they could do anything they wanted. We feel like it’s something that perhaps today is missing,” Laura and Deanna Fanning shared with Women’s Wear Daily.
For the first time, the Fanning sisters introduced sheer fabrics into their distinctive DIY hybrid design process. This innovation led to new creations such as a torso-baring bodysuit featuring an underwear illusion complemented by a wide kimono-style belt, and a wool slipdress adorned with netting details and a sheer hem. The collection also included tailored pieces in pastel shades equipped with drawstring waists and collars tied with whimsical ribbons, alongside luxurious alpaca blend coats.
“We thought about the stiffness of women’s clothes in that era, and how we could distort those,” they explained. “We tried to break the tailoring fabric with crinoline or something that feels like a soft jersey. The knitwear has points. We started with the bullet bra and thought about how the points of that could become full garments. And that’s how the striped knitwear came about,” the sisters elaborated.
In a notable addition to their presentation, the show also introduced a new sneaker model developed in collaboration with Asics, featuring a unique split toe and sinuous design pattern, showcasing the genuine creativity and innovative spirit the Fanning sisters bring to their fashion endeavors.
Source: Noah Wire Services
