Regal, exceptional, and cosmopolitan: These are just a few words to describe the Costarellos Fall/Winter 2019-20 collection. Multicultural elements of Greece’s & Japan’s rich heritage aretranspired through delicate embroideries, intricate patchwork techniques and luxurious fabrications.
The culturally-mixed works of Greek-native Patrick Lafcadio Hearn, who lived in Japan in 19thcentury’ and was recognized as their national writer, are conveyed throughout the collection. A foreigner himself delving into the exoticism of the unknown oriental, he described the mysticalallure of Japan in his book, “Glimpses of Unfamiliar Japan.” The land of the rising sun that he fell inlove with and inspired him so much, lends an opulent influence to Costarellos’ designs and colorpalette as well.
Much like Japan celebrates the Sakura Cherry blossom, Greece commemorates the blossoming of the Almond tree. While both symbolize beauty, feminity, and fragility, these rose-family blooms serve to marry the Eastern & Western worlds. It is this idea and inspiration that is brought to life through the Asian-infused Floral Embroidery, Oriental-inspired Silk Velvet, hand-painted velvet Devoré and kimono-esque silhouettes prevalent in this season’s designs.
The brand’s signature Grecian-inspired look is updated with geometric floral embroidery and matching velvet trims in oriental hues, and finished with playful layered lace effects. Expanding on their Greek heritage, Bohemian patchwork designs of delicate laces and ethereal glimmering Silk Chiffon introduce a fresh focus on daywear pieces.
The brand’s innate sense of debutante refinement is elevated by added surface treatment more than ever, including flocked and glittered tulle, intricate embroidery, hand-painting techniques andclusters of crystal embellishments that decorate the brand’s familiar shapes. Offering another note of newness, is the introduction of a structured Silk Twill, breaking away from the brand’s whimsicaldesigns.
While remaining synonymous to the Costarellos core of romanticism and grandiose designs, Fall/Winter 2019-20 refreshes the brand’s identity with an enlivened and enchanting approach to its aesthetic.