Jitrois Spring/Summer 2013: Stained Glass, Ribbed Vaults and Leather

Jean Claude Jitrois welcomed guests to the private presentation of his Spring/Summer 2013 collection held in his own beautiful home overlooking the Louvre and the Tuileries during Paris Fashion Week SS13. Known for their signature perforation and fringe detailing, Jitrois is viewed as one of the preeminent high-end luxury goods houses specializing in leather and fur, which quickly became apparent in the radiant collection presented. This season, the arches and stained glass of the recently renovated Sainte-Chapelle church on Paris’ Ile-de-la-Cité inspired the designer’s collection that showed off his experimentation with leather and other materials such as broderie anglaise, crocheted knitwear and crystal embellishments, adding lightness and delicacy to the heavy material. In ultraviolet, padparadscha, indigo blue, beige and black, Jean Claude Jitrois achieved a “seamless transition between leather, exotic skins and silk” in form fitting dresses at various lengths and classic leather jackets that took new forms with zipper-detailed lapels and belted waists. In the intimate setting, statuesque models strode out in garments inspired by the Rayonnant Gothic church with design details reminiscent of its ribbed vault and intricate 13^th century stained glass windows. As one skirt made of silver leather fringe embodied the effects of sunrays fragmented by the stained glass covered walls, the last dress out was the chapel’s dominating rose window bursting with red and white crystals. Some looks acted as the support of the collection like the columns of the church in sleek silhouettes; while other looks in rich colors and elaborate crocheting paralleled the polychrome décor. Each look out resembled a part of the acclaimed royal chapel, and built layer upon layer an equally acclaimed collection, featuring the perfect “marriage of structural forms and artisanal expertise”.

See more images from the show:

xx, Q.

[images courtesy of Jitrois]