Ann Demeulemeester Catwalk Fashion Show Paris FW2011

It was a romantic and gently deconstructed collection of Ann Demeulemeester with hints of antique uniforms. The designer gave the fronts of topcoats, jackets and waistcoats a used and beaten look, and most of the jackets  peeled open in flaps at the waist. She also bleached fabrics to make ghostly patterns, sometimes sprinkled across a  suit like a constellation. Pops of blue, red, yellow or orange broke the darkness, Demeulemeester used the colors for tops or they peeped out from under sheer black layers. The high, black ridingboots and leather gloves gave the models the look of a 17th century landlord, elegant, tough and a bit nostalgic

The standing ovation from Patti Smith was well deserved.