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Sorapol AW13/14 collection titled
‘Immortal’ tells the tale of Xiaohe, a young girl given to a Chinese Emperor as
a diplomatic gift. As she travels
through Asia, India and Persia to her final destination, she becomes deluded
and begins to believe that she is the ruler of every land she visits, demanding
the most exquisite jewels and luxuries. Designer Sorapol Chawaphatnakul
certainly succumbs to these demands with extravagant silk fabrics, lavish
prints, detailed embroidery and ornate finishings.
Wooden stilt sandals restrict the models’ walk to a slow pace and elevate the models into her ‘Xiaohe’ regal persona, high above those of her lowly subjects. The ornate headpieces designed by Emily Frances Barrett, give more height and ensure she stands majestically straight.
The collection is a mix of dramatic couture
creations and those of elegant and polished Ready to Wear pieces. For drama the skirt of one heavily
embroidered outfit formed a wide and exaggerated fishtail design with the
contrasting silk bottom exploding in to a voluminous bubble shape and sweeping
the floor with its short train. There was a hint of Victoriana with long
crinoline style skirts worn with peplum jackets
but without the austerity and plainness as opulence abounded in rich silks, gold beading and the must have
accessory of the back metal structure with high collar.
The Ready to Wear pieces were equally
stunning with tapestry design on coats, intricate lace and embroidery and flowing
silks and chiffons. Styles ranged from
tailored boxy jackets and straight skirts to smooth silk dresses and
gowns. Adorned with gold rope piping,
shining mirror embellishments, and my favourite – small colourful pom poms in
fluffy faux fur.
