Sophisticated yet provocative: ARC Fall Winter 2014
updated the 6 October 2015 à 23:59
By taking cues from Joan of Arc, Singaporean label, ARC shows what they mean by power dressing
If there’s a way to look enticingly sexy without bordering on suggestive, dominatrix tones, our safest bet is to look to Singaporean label, ARC.
Launched in 2012 by Islean Valath, the label has developed a strong design aesthetic that relies on distinctive architectural lines to create body-flattering silhouettes. By melding both curves and rigid form, ARC displays a strong flair for juxtaposing sleek minimalism with a hint of drama.
Till date, the collections have been inspired by strong, powerful women, such as Bilistiche – a slave in ancient Egypt – and the Fall collection follows in a similar vein. This time, the overarching figure in mind was Joan of Arc who appears in a fitting role for the brand’s direction.
Dominant throughout the collection are mermaid skirt hemlines, origami collars bold shoulders and martial inclinations. Islean also displays the play with gender equality by incorporating menswear fabric such as tweed and suiting wool into various typically feminine designs.
Generally, the collection has a mélange of outfits suitable for the sophisticated modern woman looking for office wear and for the woman who wants to switch up her look for a night out. We adored the beautiful mermaid skirts, exaggerated-sleeved dresses and androgynous capes but the odd shaped culottes, unfortunately, did not seem to belong. Perhaps it was the magnified width or the tweed fabric but in any case culottes are tricky when it attempts to be flattering.
Nonetheless, ARC is a definitive source for compelling designs that go beyond the runways and are entirely workable around a Singaporean woman’s existing wardrobe. If anything, these pieces will strike a spark to your closets…and onlookers!
Tarandip Kaur
