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What modern luxury fashion is all about

Fashion is no longer about knowing your Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Prada - that's so old school. There is a new wave in fashion: that of independent labels, some of which have a heritage from the country of their origin - like Spain's Delpozo (originally De Pozo); others have been founded more recently by creative directors, like Jacquemus, Attico and Ellery. What they all have in common is that they bring a conceptual feel to fashion but in a very laidback, elegant way. Details are important, yet the clothes have a sense of ease - and that's why all the cool girls are turning to these labels. You will find them at Boutique 1, Symphony and also on luxury websites, such as www.modist.com and www.ounass.com. But now, one of these labels, Delpozo, has opened a flagship store in Dubai - the only one in the region, in fact - and its creative director Josep Font was in town to celebrate the occasion.
Delpozo is a true example of how an outsider can become an insider in the rarefied world of fashion. Started by Jesus del Pozo over 40 years ago in his home country, the label became synonymous with creativity and craftsmanship. Then, in 2011, a larger group acquired the brand and appointed Josep Font its creative director. Font was just in his early 40s then, but was already showing at Paris Haute Couture. A trained architect, he believes "the base of every garment too is its architecture" - it is this philosophy that gives his outfits such a fabulous fit and a feel of innovation. Every piece feels like it has been tailored with finesse. Which is probably why you find that women known for both style and substance - Cate Blanchett, Keira Knightley, Melania Trump, Michelle Obama, to name a few - enjoy wearing his brand.
He does not believe in the no-pain-no-gain theory of fashion, instead preferring to look at fashion as an aesthetic representation of who one is. Thoughtful design is key for him; hence, all his pieces have an element of couture to them and the label refers to itself as a "luxury pret-a-couture brand". So, whether it is a white poplin blouse with a hand-stitched neckline or a beautiful gown with embroideries done by master craftsmen, every piece feels special.
Font loves his colours too, and works hard to make pigments that are not just the regular poppy red or turquoise blue. "It's about finding new pigments and new combinations," he says. His ability to lend a fresh take to every aspect - shape, colour or design - conveys a sense of simplicity, while making a quietly powerful statement.
Font designs four collections a year, but believes that pieces from different seasons can be mixed and matched. Isn't that what modern luxury fashion is about? Combining the beauty of couture with the ease of modern minimalism. He loves to use flowers, and you can call his designs beautiful - but never pretty. He has a penchant for origami detailing, yet his clothes never seem complicated. And that's what fashion today is all about: no-nonsense and effortless, yet creative and full of craftsmanship. These are the values that make labels like Delpozo such a top draw for fashion girls everywhere.
sujata@khaleejtimes.com

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