Belgian designer Christian Wijnants, presented his spring-summer 2019 collection in Paris. The creator captures an imaginary journey from the Middle East to the Far East. The collection is built on a fascination for escape, on the imagined illusion of traveling through a colourful array of cultures, influences and ideas along the Silk Road.

Carried away by Japanese drums, the oriental energy is first tempered by the simplicity of a masculine white shirt and oversized pants in bright blue organza. Solid colours manifest in bright and airy looks, from tailored men’s suits to bright windbreakers, oversized shorts and breezy skirts – layering a lot of blues, light greens and pink –, with the highlight being a shiny pink trench.
In a nod to the label’s signature prints, the collection embraces floral prints and checks, declined on both printed fabrics and jacquard knits. House patterns are prevalent, inspired by vintage kimonos, translated into graphic patchwork mixing bigger and smaller florals on different scales and in asymmetrical patterns.
A virtuous interplay of checks is applied to cotton trench, silk voile and jacquard. Layered check motifs add carefree geometry throughout boyish coats, oversize shirts, flowing skirts and ultra-light dresses. Generous silhouettes are combined with light leggings, while shantung silk suits express bold variations in masculine shapes and detailing. The collection imagines an organic elegance playing with volumes, from enveloping silhouettes in crochet raffia to androgynous jeans ensembles.
Simply cut crochet bags are a new addition to the expanding shoe collection, including both classic ankle boots in bright hues and knotted leather sandals with wooden block heels. Colourful earrings in translucent resin exemplify the collection’s sense of irreverent romance.

Photos: Christian Wijnants