Andrew Gn gets arty at Paris fashion week

Moser was an artist who influenced 20th century graphic art and Hoffman an architect and designer of consumer goods including furniture.

Singapore-born Gn said he was interested in the Arts and Craft movement because it bridged both the Victorian and Edwardian periods.

« I have explored the Victorian period in previous collections but find it every day more fascinating… It has led me to go deeper into form and structure, » he told AFP backstage after the show.

A black Arts and Craft motif featured on the full length of a short triple crepe dress while and also on the organza panels of a blue silk blouse.

Examples of the Hoffman influence included velvet applique organza panels on a black triple crepe silk dress, while Koloman Moser-inspired applique could be seen on a kimono-sleeved black silk blouse.

For evening, there was a William Morris-inspired metallic and velvet brocade dress with velvet bodice and acanthus leaf applique embroidered in jet.

Ennio Capasa’s CoSTUME NATIONAL, meanwhile, went for minimal edgy chic with « tailored constructions melded with fragments of the Miao » ethnic group, Capasa said in a statement.

In a palette of black, midnight blue, rust and white, the collection featured asymmetrical and multi-layered skirts and dresses, slim fit trousers and long double breasted blazers.

Paris is hosting nearly 90 shows and presentations of ready-to-wear fashion for autumn/winter 2013/2014 over nine days.

All eyes will on Monday be on Hedi Slimane for his second keenly awaited collection for Saint Laurent.

His first show paid homage to Yves Saint Laurent but without really making his own mark.