A STORY TELLING FASHION COLLECTION OF “LOVE, HOPE, HARMONY”
Words, Judith Ecochard, Images Courtesy of the Designer
Our July jaunt to experience the sizzling fashion/art/music scene in Berlin, Germany was an eye- popping experience. The city was buzzing with new talent nutured by 11 major fashion schools, government subsidies, and a copious amount of cheap (relatively speaking) rents…particularly in areas that used to be behind the Wall.
One collection we didn’t see in person…but will make a note to for sure…is the Berlin based women’s label, Bo Van Melskens, designed by the Danish Sarah Elbo. The fairly newish fashion brand takes summery cues from Jeanne Moreau in The Lovers and Audrey Hepburn in Funny Face-with one posh “Designer Dress” (instead of a multi-piece assortment) - that shows off a gal’s curves.
We think the fitted seamed bodice with flattering knee length, full skirt silhouette hits the right note between a vintage frock and 21st century outfit.
Fetching and FUN.
What also works: the deep neckline that show off the elegant and sensuous collarbone---a style that works on ladies of all sizes.
The “Designer Dress” comes in five versions of either fine silk or 100% cotton---in a neutral color palette of black, grays and white. Our fav is the light silver one decorated with silver fabric flowers.
PLUS: A touch of the homespun permeates each piece…all customized with 50 years old cotton strips of fabrics incorporated into each dress…fabrics courtesy of Elbo’s patchwork specialist Grandmother.
RETAIL: In Europe…and if we’re lucky, we can see the unique mobile “black box” show- deliverable on request - complete with a special soundtrack…on our return trip.
BO VAN MELSKENS