Florian Jayet AW ’12/13 Show Review
STRONG
FIERCE
SEXY
WARRIOR
These words sum up perfectly the small collection of exquisitely crafted outfits that stalked down the runway.
A clash of Katy Perry’s ‘ALIEN’ makeup, plaited and backcombed warrior woman hairstyles, and scary looking McQueen Armadillo style shoes collided to make this a truly breath-taking show.
Silhouettes were clean and strong which allowed the graphic Aztec style prints and bold colours to make the statement.
Slim fitting trousers, long lean dresses and flippy skirts, not to mention high choker style necklines and square shoulders, meant there was something for everyone.
A tight colour palette of yellow, blue, black and white interspersed with metallic hues brought the whole look together.
Stand out pieces included the finale dress – a white hybrid Victoriana/alien fusion (just perfect for an unconventional bride), and a liquid satin silver evening gown with crystal face veil.
Jayet thoroughly nailed the print/colour trend currently sweeping through fashion land, and like his contemporaries: PREEN and PETER PILOTTO, is unafraid of pushing the sculptural boundaries whilst still delivering a flattering and sexy silhouette for today’s modern warrior queen!
Florian Jayet LFW AW12/13 Video
THE INTERVIEW
As I huddle in the cold with a queue snaking behind me, I get my first insight into Florian Jayet THE MAN.
Clutching a clip board and rallying the crowd as the show start time runs fashionably late, long-time friend and jewelry designer Natasha Danson excitedly tells me that not only is Florian brilliantly gifted, but also quite possibly the nicest person in fashion – a platitude that certainly runs true when I sit down with the man himself just moments after his FALL 12 collection debuts on the runway.
Humble and unassuming, this Frenchman is more than happy to share his thoughts and inspirations with me on what makes him tick.
LF: Who or what inspired you to create your own label?
FJ: It was really born out of the desire to create my own designs and not to have to translate someone else’s vision.
LF: What advice would you offer to emerging designers who are just starting their own labels?
FJ: I would say be patient, stay true to yourself, don’t listen too much to other people… oh and work very hard!
LF: Describe your style in one word.
FJ: One word? Can I have two? I think ‘feminine’ and ‘structured’.
LF: Let’s talk about your current collection that we’ve just seen. Congratulations on an amazing show! What was the theme or influence behind it?
FJ: I was thinking of different tribes and civilisations. I looked at what they wore and how they wore it and tried to incorporate this into my vision. I used lots of strong colours, print and pleating, and added a futuristic element with metallics and bold shapes. This was really about the empowerment of women.
LF: Where can the Florian Jayet line be purchased? Is it available in the US?
FJ: At the moment it is in stores in Abu Dhabi only. We do have plans later on this year for an online shop so that our American customers can purchase.
LF: What would you say is the best way for any stylist or publicist who wants to use your pieces to request pulls?
FJ: Oh that is easy, just go to the website and you will see a link for press, (laughs) we are very good at lending!
LF: When working with stylists, what are some of the qualities you appreciate in them?
FJ: I think the main ones are if they are able to work hard and also to be able to think outside the box.
LF: Where do you see yourself and your label in 5 year’s time?
FJ: Well, I hope to have many shops! And also to be showing on schedule – that would be my dream.
LF: And finally Florian, if you could pick one designer who has had the most impact on you, who would it be?
FJ: I think it would have to be Thierry Mugler… his work in the 80’s was truly inspiring.
And with that, he flashes me a cheeky smile and is gone, whisked away to a growing crowd of admirers waiting to congratulate him. This is one designer who will be making waves for years to come.
–Fashion Corespondent, Lisa Fifer
