The month of March was one of fashion and excitement for designer Stephan Caras as he unveiled his fall winter 2012-13 collection titled, “Lush Sensuality”. As part of his European tour, Stephan debuted the collection during Paris Fashion Week on March 5, 2012, followed by his presentation at the 11th Athens Xclusive Designer’s Week in Greece on March 17th, 2012. Stephan’s artistic expression was truly captured as he presented a collection that was filled with opulence, grace, playfulness and lightness.
The colours were seemingly Baroque inspired dominated by fire red, gold, black and midnight forest green that were both bold and vivid. Rich textured fabrics such as wool plaid, wool jacquard, faux fur, gold lame jacquard, silk taffeta, silk chiffon, silk velvet jacquard, and fluid jersey, all came together in a way that can only be described as lush. Embroidered velvet motifs embellished with warm and rich jewel tone Swarovski stones, twisted gold and black satin braid, peacock feathers, and sweet coral/tangerine fur elegantly finished each garment and defined each piece in a way that we have only come to expect from Stephan Caras. Each piece captured Stephan’s vision of creating pieces that are feminine, wearable and sensual through a well-balanced mix of fabric, color, texture and detailing.
The show started off with a glamorous and spirited presentation of fire red plaid and vibrant-coloured fur. Wonderfully constructed and masterfully tailored, Stephan presented a beautiful group of coats, shorts, skirts, jackets and maxi coats with a direct emphasis on a strong shoulder line with a touch of military composition. This was combined with playful injections of faux fur, twisted gold and black braid trim and a vibrant coral/tangerine silver fox fur. Stephan creatively combined this look with multi-layered skirts of sheer organza ruffles and chiffon petals to create a sense of playfulness and femininity. Beautiful flowing fabrics tease and caress the body with bright and fun colours that emphasize femininity and sensuality, while detailing and slimming lines create an element of classy elegance.
The collection expresses a well-balanced mix of fabric, color and texture. Silk chiffon is masterful draped, fluidly abundant, and floats seamlessly. The layers of silk chiffon play with each other gracefully, playful, and lightly, somewhat reminiscent of a lighthearted romance. This group expresses a romantic element within the collection as Stephan captures the notion that a woman can be soft and elegant at the same time.
Jersey reined the catwalk that can only be described as signature CARAS. Jersey combined with guipure lace, plunging necklines, open backs, exaggerated slits and trailing lengths are dramatic and express the poetry of sensuality while accomplishing the ultimate seduction.
Sculptured gowns shape to the body like poured liquid gold and express the true feminine shape styled in corset and bustier tops, and intriguing shapes reminiscent of the Rococo era. Strict tailoring of wool jacquard, emphasize the shoulder and define the waistline. “Hautes pantaloon cigarette a la taille”, fitted teaser shorts, feminine multi-petal organza and chiffon skirts are cut and engineered to float and flirt. The finale pieces encompass Stephan’s ability to express femininity and sensuality through shape and movement. Gowns made of voluminous silk taffeta and silk organza with peacock feather skirts reigned in a fluttering wave of delicate midnight forest green.
