Lines, Layers and Labin

Creative expression is a tricky thing.

Taking something and twisting it, therefore altering its meaning, can either result in success or a very confusing failure. German designer Clarrissa Labin’s Spring 2011 line hits a note between adult curiosity and childlike innocence, and does so with flying colours - especially mustard yellow.

Her dresses are Mia Farrow'ish, circa Rosemary’s Baby. All that pale blue. You know, pre-demon birth.

She plays with symmetry and creates different and unexpected silhouettes, while still maintaining a sort of simplicity that we can swallow.

Things get a bit dodgy when we enter the t-shirt and shorts territory.

The over-sized graphic t-shirts with over-patterned biker shorts look like something a 6-year-old would wear to a birthday party - if her parents weren't around to supervise the outfit selection.

The collection also features t-shirts with seashells over the chest, a la Little Mermaid. While this look is cheeky and playful, it still stands out as a boring addition to an otherwise adventurous collection. Not to mention the fact that it makes us think of Lindsay Lohan’s ill-fated tryst with Ungaro?

The highlights of the collection include a white shift dress with a patterned cowl neck, and a tiered skirt that would make any party girl blush. The mustard-coloured kimono, however, is a revelation in its wrongness. Nothing about that dress should work,  yet there is definition in the silhouette and it drapes like a dream.

This a collection that needs to be seen. While it may not work for everyone’s style or taste, you will still want to play dress up and dream in these one-of-a-kind items - for at least a little bit.

Images via clarrisalabin.com

Alex West
		About the author:
		After a five year stint in Montreal Alex moved back to her native Toronto to do her Masters and began writing for different publications. When in doubt she always asks, what would Nick Cave do? Luckily the answer almost always involves velvet, wine and writing. In her spare time she enjoys watching civil war reenactments, sharing her James Bond level charm and talking about that girl who did that thing that one time. Read more of her work at: www.scare-tactic.blogspot.com
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