From The Straits Times    |

NEW YORK – The Autumn Winter 2014-15 presentation of Singapore fashion label Raoul took place on February 6, 2014, on the 10th floor of the Rose Building, just a few meters aways from the Lincoln Center, where most of the fashion shows during the New York fashion week is being held.

Singapore label Raoul collection for AW14-15 DECOR LEATHER GOLD PRINTFirst look at Singapore label Raoul Autumn Winter 2014-15 collection presentation held during New York Fashion Week. Image: Raoul

Models lined up wearing clothes from the Singapore-born brand, created in 2002, with a backdrop of Manhattan city. The AW14-15 collection was comprised of diverse pieces which have been created for the modern international women ‒ from the Big Apple or to the brand’s home, the Lion City ‒ for functional urban day affairs to gala evening engagements.

Harking back to the middle of the 20th century, the designs feature large geometric designs (pictured above top), plain gowns enhanced by sweeps of material to add texture and interesting lines, elegant oversized prints, hemlines that varied from ankle, through to three-quarters to above the knee.

Pant suits feature slim lines with organic trim; metallic colours, golds and silvers, are used effectively in contrast to pastels. Dresses and separates are made of the brand’s now signature soft leather, and coats in plaid and tile accents also appeared in the collection. The addition of new materials like feathers in some of the evening dresses added a softness to the collection.

Singapore label Raoul collection for AW14-15 DECOR FEATHERSSingapore label Raoul Autumn Winter 2014-15 collection presentation held during New York Fashion Week. Image: Raoul

The geometric and abstract elements of the Wienter Werkstatte movement, which took place in the early 20th century, and the crumpled metallic facets in the work of sculptor John Chamaberlain were the cue for the inspiration for Raoul’s Creative Director Odile Benjamin. Fusing these two influences led Odile to integrate astral elements such as meteoric rock in the design that outlines the colors and prints of some garments.

Footwear and handbags designed by newly appointed Accessories Design Director, Raphael Young, were also displayed at the presentation. The designer used mixture of suede, baby calf, patent calf, and crushed leather among other material in producing the new lines. The shapes are sharp and delicate; again reminiscent of
the 1960s.

Overall, the AW14-15 collection from Raoul continues the refining of its general late 60s / early 70s influences via the shapes and construction but the addition of materials like the feathers and felted wool adds a welcome volume and a new softness to the brand.

Raoul is sold online at www.raoul.com and in over 30 countries around the world including stores in Singapore, the Middle East, Paris, Milan, London and New York. In Singapore, Raoul boutiques are located at Paragon Shopping Centre and Marina Bay Sands. You can follow the brand on Facebook at www.facebook.com/raoulfashion on Twitter at @RAOULFASHION and on Instagram at @raoulfashion