1920s france inspires Ines de la Fressange for Uniqlo
The Paris Olympics, French cowboys and 1920s muses those are the diverse influences that inspired Ines de la Fressange in her latest spring/summer 2020 collection for Uniqlo.
The former model turned style icon is on her 12th collaboration with Japan’s global apparel retailer, and up to now has imbued the brand’s quality LifeWear with authentic and timeless Parisian chic.
“We first started collaborating with her way back 2014 for that year’s spring and summer collection, which was ‘Creationship,’ based on authentic quality and individual values unconstrained by price or brand,” says Geraldine Sia, Uniqlo Philippines’ co-COO. “It utilized luxury to vintage items for universal appeal, evoking the spirit of traditional French work clothes and authentic style.”
De la Fressange’s penchant for smartly tailored pieces and more feminine, playful ensembles is evident in this SS20 collection.
“The first inspiration is the Paris Summer Olympics in 1924, so we have very, very sporty pieces like tennis blazers,” says Camille Pacis, Uniqlo Philippines’ marketing head. Other standouts are argyle sweaters, Tilden knitwear and jersey pants in the key colors white and green.
The next inspiration is called “Gardians” — “I’m French and I didn’t even know that this word actually existed,” said event host Anne Gauthier. Gardians is French for cowboys in Arles, the Provencal city in southern France where Vincent Van Gogh once lived and painted.
“Ines has been spending time in that city for over 30 years,” continued Gauthier. “It’s a city that has influenced leading artists like Picasso and Van Gogh because of the strong sunlight and shadow contrasts, and that is what is reflected in this collection of black and white items in pants and long shirts.”
Since both Gardians and Paris have a more masculine look, the third theme is Muses, for those wanting more femininity. “This was also inspired by the 1920s, a time of great progress for women when they felt more empowered,” says Reiny Vergara, Uniqlo Philippines’ senior public relations and sustainability manager. “That’s reflected in light dresses with ruffles and prints in relaxing silhouettes.”
One of the highlights in the collection is the twisted pleated skirt — the first time Ines has used such a style in her collection. Not only does it fall beautifully around the figure, the elegantly rumpled, “no-ironing-needed” style is perfect for traveling.
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Ines de la Fressange’s spring/summer 2020 collection is only available at the Uniqlo Flagship Store in Glorietta 5, Makati, and through Uniqlo.com. Some items will be available at Uniqlo stores nationwide.
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