STEPHANE ROLLAND HAUTE COUTURE – Spring/Summer 2016

February 8, 2016

By Lynn Quanjel

Photos Courtesy of Stephane Rolland

Paris, France – As a true master of haute couture, Stephane Rolland once again demonstrates his ability to create a wonderful collection from seemingly simple concepts. In his new Spring/Summer 2016 work, we find the pleat transformed into something regal. With it his creates a feminine, graceful and magnificent opus that is worthy to pay tribute to the grandiose woman.

First the couturier pulls us into his private salons where the show takes place. The presentation is an old school staging from the golden era of haute couture. Each model is presented with a number. And we hear a voice announcing the details of each look.

Sticking to the neutral colors such as white, black and beige, the grand couturier has designed a timeless silhouettes that include several red accents as showstoppers. The most impressive gowns are done with wide, layered pleated skirts. He employs the pleats as a true sign of impressive craftsmanship. Nevertheless, the rest of the collection is also brilliantly crafted with lots of wavy organza layering, silk trails, and huge skirts in tulle. It is obvious that Stephane Rolland pulls most of the attention to the bottom of the dresses. There one can see the beautiful movements as the models walk – or rather ‘flow’ – over the catwalk.

Returning motives throughout the presentation are long trails, open backs, shimmering materials, diamond applications, and many layers. An interesting contrast in the collection comes in the application of nude spikes on the tops. The fact that the spikes are nude removes the expected “rock” feeling. And thanks to that, the two top with them maintain their grace… very well done! Another notable outfit is the all white jumpsuit with a transparent organza top and a long trail attached to it. With it once again Stephane Rolland shows us that timeless classics can be modernized.

Haute Couture is not a label just any designer can give to a collection. It must be earned. Stephane Rolland most surely proves that he is worthy of his title of grand couturier. His keen combination of impressive craftsmanship, the understanding of the female body and a vision on modern classiness makes his designs individual yet cohesive artworks. And in his Spring/Summer 2016 collection, he has once again achieved a harmony between art and wearability.