Simply Abu Dhabi XIII

2 4 0 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I STEPHANE ROLLAND - Summer 2014 Haute Couture Collection The new Stéphane Rolland Summer 2014 Haute Couture collection is a burst of light. B etween dawn and dusk, Stéphane Rolland sculpts material like never before, in a minimal palette of yellows and whites, subtly eclipsed with black tones. Each creation defies the rules of space in an organic and adaptive way. Effortlessly floating in clouds of mango, tangerine and saffron, Rolland’s haute couture gowns for 2014 resemble those that would adorn classical statues, but without rigidity or heaviness. A deceptively simple off-white close-fitting gown is far from stark – embellished with lighter-than-air feathers at the hip, the creation evokes a delicate bird about to take flight. An off-the-shoulder asymmetrical dress appears to simply hover over the wearer, like soft new-fallen snow. A breathtaking fishtail gown in fiery orange speaks of a butterfly bursting from its cocoon in summer, or is it a sun goddess? Jumpsuits are adorned with oversized suspended gazar and organza arches, architectural flourishes that elevate the elegant baseline to something otherworldly. Basques raise and reveal lichen embroideries; a spider-web worked black top is paired with a pristine white skirt, ornamented with a flourish of organza. Origami appliqués and beaded embroideries continue the illusion of plumage, and bathe the collection in ethereal light. Challenging the definitions of architectural space, a ribbed foliage lands on the shoulder and wraps the leg, swaying the walk. Peplum tops form tulips over fitted skirts, in vibrant springtime hues. For evening, the Rolland collection includes voluminous black gowns dotted with stars like the night sky, and fluted columns the colour and shape of daffodils. Finally, every design is punctuated with vinyl and varnished leather sculptures. At once classic and futuristic, the silhouette is uncluttered, the cut is assertive and the look is sensual. All this is accessorised by sophisticated footwear, double-strapped at the ankle, and statement belts. Determined and luminous, the Summer 2014 Stéphane Rolland woman impresses with a new modernity, delicacy and subtlety. STEPHANE ROLLAND