Marc Philippe Coudeyre’s fall/winter 2011 collection is inspired by the Himalayan landscape, where the last “honey hunters” are to be found. It is also the story of an active woman, who goes out every day to find her own little treasure. Deliberately colourful and contrasted, the collection refers to the delicate world of the bees as well as to the powerful hunters. The inspiration is subtly translated in the choice of fabrics and the use of materials: the honeycomb grid of the bright orange wool, the embossed lightweight silk, the grass green lurex raffia, the shiny tree bark jacquard, the sporty neoprene, the petal-like sequins, the flowery print and the golden belt buckles. The clothes reveal two types of silhouettes for the active contemporary woman. The feminine, seducing side is to be found in the sari like draping of the dresses, tops and skirt. The more powerful and strong side is shown in the masculine shirts, the leggings and the matching zip jackets. The collection offers multiple possibilities of combining the pieces, playing with the masculine/feminine silhouettes, blurring the traces between elegant, evening items and self confident sporty looks.
Stockists
Dolce&Gabbana SPIGA 2, via della Spiga 2, Milano, Italy
Blank Boutique, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Mapp, rue LÈon Lepage 5, Brussels, Belgium
Sketch, Kustlaan 339, Knokke, Belgium
Renaissance, Nationalestraat 28, Antwerp, Belgium
More about MARC PHILIPPE COUDEYRE
Marc Philippe Coudeyre grew up in different countries including Scotland, Indonesia, the United Arab Emirates, France and Colombia. During his childhood he was confronted with ‘being different’, being a stranger in a strange country. Each time Marc Philippe Coudeyre took on this unique observer position, he carefully absorbed every detail, colour and characteristics of each culture. The memories of those different cultures have a huge impact on Marc Philippe Coudeyre as a designer. That’s the story of how French couture connects with the world of kilts, sarongs and djellabahs…
After high school, Marc Philippe decided to study Architecture in Stuttgart and Barcelona. However, during these studies Marc Philippe Coudeyre discovered that his heart is with fashion. Moreover, in his impression he has reached a theoretical limit and wants to focus more on the creative body. As a result, Marc Philippe joined the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp where he graduated Cum Laude in 2007. “Every human being has his own way of expressing himself. After studying Architecture I had the feeling the only way for me was through fashion.” His final collection Black Renaissance was awarded the Tommy Hilfiger prize. Previously LancÙme rewarded him with the Modern Femininity award on the Colour Design Award.
Now the designer feels that it’s time to develop his own project. However he isn’t alone and works closely together with Jan Verheyen, the strategic mind behind Marc Philippe Coudeyre. “Jan is my trump card, we decide everything together”, says the designer. “He also has an architectural background, and has a passion for fashion. He is my soundboard.” They complete each other perfectly: Marc Philippe gives the inspiration and Jan comes up with the production strategy.
Marc Philippe Coudeyre’s style is classic and glamorous. The collections are functional, yet elegant and contain a touch of humour. “The woman I have in mind is a mysterious femme fatale, an elegant but strong woman.” However, he doesn’t want to dictate a certain style. “Fashion is like communication, everybody has to find his own way of dressing. Currently I mix French couture with ethnic elements.”
The designer has a good eye for detail and delivers a perfect cut. Therefore he uses fabrics of high quality, such as silk materials and soft lamb leather. This is craftwork, “100% made in Belgium”, with an edge. Making the entire collection in Belgium is a deliberate decision. That’s how he can ensure quality and can immediately make alterations if necessary.
