Copenhagen-based Cecilie Bahnsen is back in Paris with one of her most romantic and technically challenging collections yet. Taking over a gallery in the buzzy Marais district, Bahnsen offered a taste of her charming, feminine universe with mannequins displaying her new spring collection, a sound installation by Okay Kaya displayed in the background, and a photo exhibition by Takashi Homma featuring models on the streets of Japan in Bahnsen’s new creations.
The aim was to offer an in-depth exploration of femininity, which Bahnsen embodies so well, and show that her feminine, delicate creations can channel strength just as much as a power suit.
The look: Bahnsen stayed true to her signature silhouettes of puff-sleeved tops, balloon dresses and roomy trenchcoats. She updated them with large asymmetric drapes inspired by the way women in her home of Copenhagen and around her studio pull up their dresses to ride their bikes and run around the city.
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Quote of note: “We’re trying to go back to the same things again and again and perfect them, but also embrace newness. We played with these asymmetries for the first time to show the beauty in imperfection. We are still making the dresses as beautiful as possible but they feel a bit more effortless and spontaneous this way.”
Key pieces: A black puff-sleeved midi dress made out of the most delicate, silicone-trimmed floral appliqués which were inspired by pressed flowers; a fil coupé draped skirt that crinkles as it moves to channel the feeling of tactility Bahnsen has been missing, and beaded ballerina flats that marked the label’s first solo foray into footwear.
Takeaway: Bahnsen went all in on her flair for romance and all things feminine, creating a collection that you couldn’t help but be charmed by. For all the familiar shapes and silhouettes, she kept things fresh with her innovative new fabrications and experiments with draping.