AIFW insider: FASHION LAB: MARLOUS BLAAS & QUOC TANG

MARLOES BLAAS

Entering the first summer collection, called ‘Derived’ by Marloes Blaas, a sweet girl offers me a wooden stock to eat. With this gesture, Marloes Blaas, shows visitors her appreciation for old Dutch traditions.

Backstage Marloes talks openly about her thoughts: “... This collection is inspired on the freedom after the Second World War. I asked myself the question: How do you wake up, when such terrible disaster has just ended?”

The show started with a very lively country music turned on quite loud. This immediately gives you the feeling that you are on a (fashion) farm. Models breeze in, with a smile on their faces and with hair plaited nonchalantly. The designs are based on fluid lines and were dipped in a natural palette of pastel colours. The outfits are very similar to work clothing -all with a playful touch.

The total show looks like a very pleasant country movie, with off course a happy end. Marloes entered the catwalk as well, and bowed proudly . The audience applauds.

more information on www.marloesblaas.nl

QUOC TANG - INTO THE WILD

One minute before the show of Quoc Thang, everybody was surprised about the strong smell that was spread. What is this smell and where does it come from? It smells like fresh grass and when the first model entered the catwalk slowly, in a adventure outfit, and the sound of whistle birds came to my ear, we all realize the smell is actually part of the concept.

This collection originated in a outdoor swimming pool, the designer in total silence. This feeling was the starting sign for Tang’s’s creative brain to go to work. This way of brainstorming is very logical for him. He confirmed: “… My experiences are the best source of inspiration for me, I like to translate emotion in my designs.”

The collection was rough and controversial. Fabrics like woolen, cotton and leather were combined with high tech polyester. The jacket has a central role in his collection. He trandformed the jacket into a t-shirt.