Altuzarra Spring Summer 2016

Joseph Altuzarra looked to his roots this season, which means his collection was inspired by the Basque country, a region between France and Spain. In particular, he took inspiration from a book by French photographer Charles Fréger called “Wilder Mann”, which depicts people at festivals around the world in traditional attire native to their region. That meant a sort of easy chic in pleated wrinkled fabrics, askew shoulders and buttons, toggle closures on jackets, and dip-dyed and hand painted tops and skirts in rich colors like emerald green and burnt orange. The shoes were high-heeled espadrilles, the bags a new take on his tassel bags from last season that surely must be the bag to covet this season as it was last. The sequined runic patterned dresses were simply divine. There was, as always chez Altuzarra, a sophisticated but sultry sex appeal even to the soft white pleated dress that opened the show. And the ultra luxurious croc pieces reminded the audience that Altuzarra’s woman isn’t that laid back.