ALTEWAISAOME | FALL / WINTER 2011

Swedish Designers, Natalia Altewai and Randa Saome collaborated in 2009 as founders of AltewaiSaome after studying and working for various fashion houses in Italy. With a shared vision to create chic affordable fashion for women, the pair set about designing pieces resonant of iconic styles seen on the streets of Paris and Milan.

The AltewaiSaome Fall / Winter 2011 collection was all about minimalism. Dominated by block colours, smooth curves and clean lines – femininity took a backseat as focus was redirected away from the waist and towards the shoulders. By accentuating the broader frame, AltewaiSaome favoured a stronger and more masculine silhouette.

The bold, confident attitude was projected through the AltewaiSaome range of looks which teamed black with bright white. These strong contrasts brought with them connotations of professionalism and moreover a suggestion of elegance and smartness. Themes of a mechanical nature were reflected by the monochrome palette; the inspiration for which was drawn from a falling piece of machinery that landed in their studio, breaking to reveal cables and cogs. The neutral tones were lifted through injections of bronzes, silvers and gold shades – usually with one item only – for ultimate impact.

Loose fitting Altewaisaome blouses and wide-legged trousers stayed true to the oversized-tailored trend and contributed to the label’s sleek style. AltewaiSaome’s simple, no-fuss is further substantiated in the monotone looks which co-ordinatee the colour of tights, shoes and dress/two piece. The block colour ensembles were broken up through the use of panelling; bright yellows, reds and greens, lift chic blouses and jackets and add a touch of originality. Panelled insertions and designs with sheer sleeves build a sense of texture and pattern, whilst maintaining a simple, sleek form overall.

- Sara Stanford