ATELIER ARIELLE
Atelier Arielle presented " Romance For the Cynics" on Oct. 20th at Vancouver Fashion Week(VFW). Designer Ariel Han brings her premiere collection from New York to Vancouver. This is Ariel's thesis collection from The Parsons School of Design in New York City.
I write this review armed with little biographical details or information about Ariel Han. However, sometimes a collection strikes me in a way that I need to explore it more. Perhaps this is how Ariel Han wanted it, the design speaks for itself. I often don't read a designer's post notes on a collection because I want to experience the collection without a pre-conception. In this case no notes were provided. However, my post-show sleuthing has given me some insight.
ATELIER ARIELLE- A REVIEW
Atelier Arielle presented " Romance For the Cynics" on Oct. 20th. As the first garments started down the runway, I was struck by a quote from designer Ariel Han. "I found myself lying comfortably in my little group of friends of haters and cynics. Most of them are disbelievers of marriage or any traditions, and even the idea of monogamy is outdated. Although I don’t loathe weddings, or at least the ones that I imagine mine to be like."
This quote sets the stage for the seven piece capsule collection that has cynic in its name but comes across as a romantic story. Ariel Han describes herself as a story teller and this collection wove a tale of romance, and beauty and hope. Weddings by nature are about hope and this collection is not a bridal collection but a collection inspired by romance.
The first dress on the runway is short white and has a puffball hem. The designers' skills are apparent in the skillfully crafted garments. The collection is predominately white with occasional carefully placed splatters of red. A black and white floral dress breaks the white and is placed in the lineup as a visual relief. The silhouettes of the dresses are simple and elegant; structured boned bodices show alongside a flowing satin high low dress, and a gathered feathered top with slacks. The collection flows from one piece to another.
