AVELON | FALL / WINTER 2012

Remaining true to the brands ethos of understated luxury fashion, Dutch designer Erik Frenken produced what will undoubtedly be a highly coveted collection for Avelon Fall / Winter 2012.

Previously head of womenswear at Viktor & Rolf, Frenken took over the helm at Avelon in 2010, saving it from bankruptcy and launching it to international success.

Combining luxury garments with rough edges and delicate detailing, the Fall / Winter 2012 womenswear line consists of ankle-grazing skirts paired with over-sized jumpers and shirts to create a loose and floaty feminine shape, while some of the looks feature leggings, slim-fit jeans or a tailored tuxedo jacket to give a more body-conscious silhouette.

As is typical of Fall / Winter, black is the predominant colour theme with some outfits head-to-toe in darkness. However natural hues of dusty pink, camel, taupe and white infuse the collection with light and soften a potentially androgynous collection with a subtle, girlish side.

Elements of promiscuity such as sheer panels revealing stretches of skin, long leather gloves and buckled boots are balanced by the addition of a modest cardigan, polo-neck jumper or shirt buttoned to the neck.

The result is a perfectly balanced collection combining timeless pieces that are easily wearable, low-key yet utterly sophisticated.

- Victoria Haswell