Isabell de Hillerin's A/W 2011 Patina Collection

I loved seeing Isabell de Hillerin's AW 2011 'Patina' collection live on the runway at Berlin Fashion Week in January, but the images from her look book show these beautifully textured silhouettes and layering combinations in a different light. 

"Patina takes its inspiration from urban signs of aging with the traces left by the passage of time. Surfaces with densely coloured layers...(are a) consequence of life and thus part of identity," designer Isabell de Hillerin.

visit Isabell de Hillerin's website

Photographer: Caroline Scharff www.carolinescharff.com
Stylist: Anja Niedermeierwww.anjaniedermeier.com
Hair/Make-up: Anna Sophie Evenkamp
Model: Sara Sperling

Berlin FW: 'Patina' A/W 2011 by Isabell de Hillerin

'Patina': Can refer to any fading, darkening or other signs of age, which are felt to be natural or unavoidable (or both). 

There was nothing fading or aged about Isabell de Hillerin's Patina A/W 2011-12 collection shown at Berlin Fashion Week last night. Perhaps it was the white stretch of runway tucked within a stunningly restored transformer station? This collection's hues were sumptuous and 'earth-friendly' and genuinely came to life when exposed to the air. Proof that there is nothing dull or safe about choosing a palette that compliments a woman's skin tone and translates well across seasons.

I have been a follower of Isabell's work for some time, particularly with her initiative to help preserve Romanian textile traditions and endangered fabrics with a story. It was exciting to see that she is still searching for ways to incorporate beautiful handwork and patterning details into designs that are sexy and versatile in their creative layering possibilities.

Testimony perhaps that the surface and value of fashion might be better understood when allowed to bask in the soft light of our environment over time. More on Isabell de Hillerin in my upcoming review of THE KEY.TO Berlin.

*top/runway photos by Abigail Doan/others courtesy of the designer