DFF Prelude: Mattijs Catwalk Fashion Show SS10

By Ivo Wiermans

It’s time for change! And we don’t refer to the legendary words spoken by Obama, but to the atmosphere at Prelude. You know, the seasonal event on the eve of Amsterdam Fashion Week, where young Dutch fashion talents show their newest collections. The young designers at Prelude brought a unanimous message. Long-lasting designs, with a focus on shape and excelling with simplicity, showed a new generation of designers that prefers high quality to short-term fashions

In the courtyard of hotel The Grand, Mattijs van Bergen was first to show his collection for spring/summer 2010. The designer, who is well-known for his elegant plissé dresses, chose to focus on shape. There were dresses like oversized shirts, outfits with big shoulders and couture-like jackets. Pleated elements were subtly converted in necklaces, blouses and lapels and more striking in beautiful pink, red and purple evening dresses. Outstanding pieces looked like waterfalls because of the draped fabrics. The collection felt relaxed and more wearable without lacking the elegant style in which Mattijs excels.