One of my favourite books was given to us as a wedding present back in 2005. It is photographic record of Dries Van Noten's first 50 fashion shows from 1992 to 2005. He has always been of great inspiration to me as a designer and I have most fond memories of these 2 collections in particular.
In 1994 I was working as a designer at Country Road in Melbourne. In the design team, we all loved Dries and this collection in particular was most inspiring. Hand printed silks in sumptuous wrap skirts, slip dresses worn with little beaded jackets.
I bought my very first Dries Van Noten piece, a bright emerald green wool pleated skirt, from his flagship store in Antwerp. This in itself was such a memorable experience of being in Europe and in one of my favourite designer's boutique!
In this wonderful book you can see the timeless detail from everything from venue choice to invitation to the collection itself, meticulously planned without compromise.
I just adore this summer 2000 collection from Dries Van Noten. The billowing skirts worn with little tees and the long line dresses are all just so pretty. I also love the way he is so clever with colour. In the clothing but also in his back drops for the shows and the shoots. He has been of great inspiration to me as someone who completely understands pattern and colour and how to use it harmoniously.