A few weeks ago, designer Anthony Vaccarello sent me a personal note, inviting me to attend his Fall 2010 presentation in Paris. The up-and-comer made a name for himself when he won the grand prize in the Hyères fashion competition back in 2006. After working briefly for Fendi, he decided to focus solely on his own line. To experience shows by some of the biggest and most revered fashion houses in the industry is the obvious draw to Prêt-à-Porter – but I’m also interested in the emerging designers. I love the new and undiscovered. So of course I was very excited to see Anthony’s work.

The presentation was held at the Galerie Joyce in the Palais Royal. Anthony greeted me personally upon my arrival. He is somewhat shy and speaks very softly – but his work is very bold. The collection, albeit small, was strong and sexy – all black, very tight-fitting with lots of geometric fabric cut-outs – I’d say you have to have a good body to work these clothes. They were a little rock’n’roll – Inherited Beauty Lou Doillon is his muse, so it’s no wonder. The clothes definitely suit her style.

Anthony thought even I could wear them, though – very flattering. I like to push the edge with my choices sometimes, and there were pieces that I would definitely wear. The backs of the dresses and bodysuits were as eye-catching as the fronts – which I thought was cool. I really liked this dress below – sexy without being too revealing.

Anthony picked this one for me. Rather daring, don’t you think?

Though he said they cost more, Anthony uses only the finest fabrics – mostly jersey – made in France. He created fierce metal jewelry to adorn the sleek collection. It was heavy – kind of art-deco inspired and a bit tough-looking – but there was a bracelet that I covet. Very clever – you can kind of see it below.

This was only Anthony’s second eponymous collection – and I think he has great promise. It’s always a pleasure to find a young designer with unique ideas and perspective. Right now his brand sells in Paris and Hong Kong, but hopefully we will see some more of his work in the States soon, too.

With Anthony Vaccarello at his Fall 2010 presentation

photos by Marie Goujon