For Pre-Fall 2014, Singapore fashion label Raoul has gone all Op Art with two-dimensional geometric pattern prints and continuing its now signature colour-blocking evolving to include tessellated prints, prisms and a graduating grid print.
Graphic looks from Singapore label Raoul Pre-Fall 2014 collection. Image: Raoul
Inspired by Bridget Riley and Victor Vasarely ‒ considered the “Mother” and “Father” of the Op Art movement ‒ Raoul’s prints come in a range of colours including the classic black and white as well as shades like port red, harbour blue, powder pink, rose smoke, dark spruce, pop pink and Tuscan red splashed across a variety of fabrics from wools and laser cut leather to printed pane velvet, canvas and silks of all kinds.
Singapore label Raoul Pre-Fall 2014 collection. Images: Raoul
The graphic nature of the “optical illusions” created by the collection’s prints are emphasised via the lines of the garments; travel the length of a dress or tunic and down to the trousers you’ll see intersections of fabric textures and colours that reinforce the “flat” 2D concepts of the original Op Art pieces.
Graphic eveningwear from the Raoul Pre-Fall 2014 collection. Images: Raoul
Adding to the overall effect is the use of circles and circular arcs that are inspired by the kinetic mobiles of artist Alexander Calder; the oversized buttons on coats and jackets, for example, echo the artists’ famous “floating” circle mobiles. Raoul also even created its own “mobile necklace” that was inspired by a vintage find; it has a series of graduating circle shapes suspended from a collar.
If you’re a lover of minimalism and colour, the Raoul Pre-Fall 2014 collection is a great blend of two seemingly opposing trends.
The Raoul Pre-Fall 2014 collection will be available in June 2014 from the Raoul boutiques located at Paragon Shopping Centre #02-49 and The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands #B2-17, or online at www.raoul.com. You can follow Raoul on Facebook at www.facebook.com/raoulfashion; on Twitter at @raoulfashion; on YouTube at www.youtube.com/RAOUL; on Instagram at @raoulfashion and on Pinterest at www.pinterest.com/raoulfashion.