MERCEDES-BENZ TENT, BEBELPLATZ
July 18th, 11AM
Words, Judith Ecochard
Images-Courtesy of Dan Lecca for Mercedes-Benz IMG Fashion Week-Berlin
Basso & Brooke is a youngish label (4 years) that managed to wow the Deutchland press and behind the scenes hair and make-up staff-with its runway extravaganza.
Hands down, this was one of the high points of Berlin Fashion Week-Spring 2009.
BACKSTORY: The label is the creative work of an English bloke-the 25 year old Christopher Brooke, a fashion graduate of the legendary Central Saint Martins that spawned Alexander McQueen and John Galliano…and…the 29 year old Bruno Basso, a Brazil native with a graphics background.
Winners of London Fashion Fringe award in 2004, the duo’s architectural and artistic leanings translated into glamorous amorphous shaped fantasy outfits-a very stylish mish-mash. Colorful prints and wildly paired ensembles aside, the total looks can easily be separated and paired more sedately with the solid basics every woman already owns. As in a black and white belted jacket with slim fitting trousers…or the dark green/black silk print- leg of mutton sleeve puffed blouse paired with a belted black evening skirt. The fabrics of sumptuous silks were unbelievable.
THE SHOW: Partnering with the glittering Swarovski Crystal company- the extravagant runway looks were greeted with rounds of applause non-stop. Oversized hats (by Stephen Jones) were straight out of the Alice In Wonderland-and sat atop teased and poofed hair-pieces attached to models crowns.Isabella Blow must have been smiling down from above.
BEST COMPLIMENT: We ran into the charming André Martens, lead hairstylist for sponsor L’Oreal (and his stunning wife) who did all of the hair styles for every show at the Mercedes-Benz Tent. Wow.
This was his favorite show!
BASSO & BROOKE
L’OREAL