The little Biches....
Funnily enough if you add a t into Les Biches, you get an entirely different English meaning to the French word 'Biches' which means female deer or in the context of this AW08-9 collection by Ostwald Helgason, a designer I discovered last season, the title Les Biches refers to yet another Ballets Russes production. Nope, nothing to do with Bitches, because Susanne Oswalt and Ingvar Helgason have drawn influence from a debauched drawing room party (where is that drawing room of mine to have such debachery...?) where an innocent-minded girl may be subject to corruption.
So pretty satins and silks teeter on the edge of ruin with the neoprene and nylon. Woodland prints and cute Bambi motifs are jostling with prints of deer fur and curtain drapes, suggesting the heaviness of old fashioned drawing rooms. It all comes off looking quite eclectic as a collection where people might question the 'flow' of it. I'd liken their work a little to what Giles Deacon does, that appealing randomness in his collection where you're a little like 'Eh?' but at the end of the day, you can't deny the beauty of it, even if it is a strange sort. I think if I was ever in a drawing room party (likelihood being zero...), then a bit of strange beauty would go a long way to making me feel comfortable in that slightly odd situation.
i don't like everything, but there are some beautiful dresses among the other stuff! but what's up with the bambi-thing lol
Posted by: rebel | 15 April 2008 at 17:37
hey girl, thanks for the suggestion.
now if only I could find gradiated tights like that somewhere!
-Giselle
Posted by: | 15 April 2008 at 18:30
Those are some pretty stunning images, beautiful!
Posted by: AngieMontreal | 15 April 2008 at 18:53
I really thought the title was 'The Little Bitches' I laughed out loud, then I realized my eyes had deceived me. Anyway, I love the fawns on the clothes, but the one on the right looks a bit possessed.
Posted by: Chelsea Rae | 15 April 2008 at 19:41
oh, man, where do you get those tights?
Posted by: M | 15 April 2008 at 22:58
This is cool stuff. I love that first vest/gilet thing.
Posted by: enc | 16 April 2008 at 01:08
i want those tights! all of them!
Posted by: www.gallianoisgod.blogspot.com | 16 April 2008 at 04:18
I really like all of these, a lot. Thank you for mentioning them, I'll be looking into Ostwald's work!
Posted by: kim | 16 April 2008 at 07:45
This collection offsets textures in a wonderfully delicious mix of weighted fabrics. It just makes sense: the velvety heaviness opposes airy translucence in just the right balance. Delightful.
Posted by: Une Fille | 16 April 2008 at 09:18
great concept:) love the degrade on the legs.
Posted by: diana | 16 April 2008 at 11:31
I have fallen in love with those tights! I must take some time aside for a dyi project(:
Posted by: Hannah Pie | 16 April 2008 at 12:35
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Posted by: jenny | 21 April 2008 at 05:00
Can anyone give me a an approximate price on Ostwald Helgason, I'm from Australia and looking to somehow trek down some of their pieces. I understand they've only been around a few seasons, do this translate into lower range prices than other designers?
Posted by: Bianca | 10 July 2008 at 14:54
Bianca: Whilst they're a young label, a lot of work goes into their pieces so it's still fairly expensive.... I'd say GBP75-GBP700 would be a safe bet but contact them directly via their website!
Posted by: susie_bubble | 10 July 2008 at 14:57
Thanks Susie!
I'll send them an email! Thank-you so much for introducing me to so many amazing young British designers that are yet to reach my side of the hemisphere :D
xx
Posted by: Bianca | 11 July 2008 at 09:26
hmhm.. such a nice site! i wonder if that's out fit. will fir for me! by the way very fashionable, keep it up!
-sidney-
Posted by: akademiks | 11 February 2009 at 03:07
such a nice collection!I like the way you collected all the clothes! very fashionable! looks cool! very unique design! Keep up the good work.
-sidney-
Posted by: akademiks | 02 March 2009 at 03:12
Know what? wearing satins and silks are very comfortable. That's why I prefer to choose those kind of dress. You have unique and great design, I wonder how can you do it.
-sidney-
Posted by: akademiks | 05 April 2009 at 11:48