No products in the cart.
Kevin Germanier Is the New Designer You’ve Been Looking For
Over the years, many have grown to anticipate the new collections that the major fashion houses present each season. It’s more difficult for newer, lesser brands to break into the industry. That is because there are now so many different designers to keep up with. However, they have put in so much effort and deserve the spotlight. Whether they are well-established or just getting started, I adore finding new designers, such as Germanier and smaller businesses. I adore finding new designers and smaller businesses to give them the visibility they have worked hard for and deserve.
After seeing a photo on Instagram of the fashionista, businesswoman, and artist Jessica Jung wearing a multicoloured beaded minidress that immediately attracted my eye, I looked up Germanier. My research led me to Kevin Germanier’s company and a goldmine of cutting-edge designs. Following this discovery, I eagerly await his third runway presentation. It debuted at the start of March in Christie’s during Paris Fashion Week.
Germanier Turned Eco-Friendly Materials into Stunning Clothing
The first half of the presentation saw plenty of tailoring and ornamentation. This was to lend interest to design elements, including pockets, lapels, cuffs, and belts. Many of these outfits matched the ornamentation on the top with brightly coloured feather skirts. They also matched with trims or glittery lace-up boots and pants. We could see a lot of beading and chenille-like fabrics in vivid colours. Some of his outfits were strikingly reminiscent of the classic Chanel tweed suit. Germanier has a reputation for using eco-friendly materials in his designs. Therefore, it is safe to assume that these materials were salvaged and creatively repurposed into stunning clothing.
These recurring design elements are then utilized throughout the collection in a variety of ways. For example, on jumpsuits, tiny dresses, and two-piece sets. Embellishments were also huge motifs or subtle trims scattered throughout the clothing. Several of the outfits included drawstrings that sparkled and Swarovski crystal beading. In addition to low-cut necklines and exposed midriffs, the body and legs featured numerous cut-outs that revealed skin. Fur, feather, velvet, mesh, denim, and beading were some of the materials employed to break up looks. Germanier’s trademark bright colours and sparkle were also incorporated. This was to provide depth to garments and draw attention away from the collection’s darker tones.
Germaine and His Sculptural Silhouettes
As the presentation progresses, silhouettes become more sculptural and maximalist. In fact, the metallic fringe moulds around the body and feathers add dimension. This collection demonstrates why Germanier believes his brand focuses on the futuristic female and how he imagines that girl to look, as previously stated in an interview. The majority of the clothing appeared to be form-fitting to highlight the feminine body’s defined waist, rounded hips, and broad shoulders. Yet, the gowns and outerwear would display a more A-line design. Halfway through the collection, Germanier and Smiley collaborated on the denim set, which led to a cameo from Smiley in the line.
Accessories were a big influence on his collection. Several of the models sported thick beaded chokers and carried crystal beaded handbags. The majority of the model’s hair was pulled back and decorated with feathers that fanned out. This made them stand out against the room’s white walls and resemble paint strokes. The models either wore beaded embellished heels that had the Germanier logo or knee-high lace-up boots. The models also wore custom beaded Germanier earrings made for the occasion.
In keeping with his reputation as the king of upcycling and beading, Germanier did not fall short with this collection. Each season, his collections are quite consistent, but they also demonstrate diverse ways he can elevate ostentatious and glitzy sustainability. I was always intrigued by the conceptualization of simple repurposed Swarovski crystals as opulent creations. This year’s collection may be less overt than in years past, but that just makes it easier to work into everyone’s outfits and more approachable for those who are less adventurous.
