Vionnet Returns to the Scene

The legendary fashion house Vionnet has been given a new breath of life by Greek designer Sophia Kokosalaki.

The Central Saint Martins graduate was appointed as the new creative director for the fashion house which was founded by the legendary Madeline Vionnet, one of the most influential fashion designers in the last century along with the likes of Elsa Schiaparelli and Coco Chanel as an attempt to put the fashion house back on the world's fashion map.

For the Spring/Summer 2007 collection which will make its debut next Spring, Kokosalaki injects her Grecian spirit and Vionnet's trademark of fluidity in her creations. The ancient Greece techniques of draping, crossing and twisting fabrics were applied on dresses backsides to create dramatic effects. For this season, metallic and soft hues of liquid gold, pale purple and black are chosen as the main base colors for the collection.

Among materials used are muslin, silk marocaine and chiffon. Tops are accented with magnificent embroidery details on the neckline, while skirts and dresses are flowy with classic yet soft large pleats. Since Spring tends to be a rainy season, Sophia created a draped back trench coat using silk canvas, which is perfect for your day out at Paris's fashionable Rue Vendome for a dose of luxury shopping.

My personal pick for Vionnet's first collection in more than three decades is the beautiful black strapless sheath dress with embroidered neckline (featured here). Another pick is the all-black ensemble of black silk marocaine front twisted shirt top and straight pants. So sexy that it can be worn on both day and evening at any occasion.

If you have started to fall in love with the latest Vionnet collection, please take note that Sophia Kokosalaki for Vionnet's collection will not be available in Asia and other parts of Europe. The collection will be available at selected Barneys New York stores and Vionnet's Paris studio in a couple of months to come. So, don't you think it's time to start your pilgrimage to the world's shopping capitals to get your hands on them?

*Photos courtesy of Vionnet

Barneys New York - 660 Madison Avenue, New York NY 10021-8448; 9570 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills CA 90212; 25 East Oak Street, Chicago IL 60611; 100 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02116; 8687 North Central Expressway, Suite 1224 Dallas, TX 75225.

Vionnet Studio - 21, Place Vendome, 75001 Paris.