The Araks Spring/Summer 2012 collection was inspired by the style of French tennis icon Suzanne Lenglen. The racquet-grid-like print used on a sheer blouse and knee length pleated skirts were reminiscent of 1920’s women’s tennis.
However, the Araks collection breached the boundaries on 1920’s tennis uniforms. The clothes had a modern twist— coincided with an upbeat, unique playlist of techno and trance that matched the quirky tennis-inspired ready-to-wear clothes (listen to the track of a woman playing tennis turned techno here and a cutesy tune by the band Tennis here)— Araks’ collection had lively neon pink colors, subtle sexiness with sheer fabrics, and feminine floral prints…the signature Araks look. Here were some memorable looks from the Araks Spring/Summer 2012 presentation:
Grid Prints
The racquet-grid print that was most likely inspired by the collection’s tennis theme brought the feminine collection a sense of geometry. The racquet print cotton sheer blazer paired with a racquet print oversize button down top and wool trousers brought a quirky tomboyishness amongst the rest of the feminine looks. Other prints from the collection include a mixture of pretty florals and embroidered jacquard shirts.
Sheer Fabrics
From her lingerie design beginnings, a little scandal peeped through the collection with chiffon dresses that were partially sheer. “Only one side, only half scandalous,” said Yeramyan. The chiffon pleat front dress with pleated back skirt stood out in particular with the black bralet and cotton hipster bare. Other sheer looks were chiffon tops, blazers and skirts.
Layering
Suzanne Lenglen likened to layering, as was seen throughout the spring collection. The undergarments seen underneath sheer dresses give the eyes the impression of multiple layers to the clothes. As if a metaphor of the collection’s intricacy, the looks could be peeled to show something completely different, playing with what the eye could and could not see. Sexy yet conservative, feminine yet masculine, the collections plays into the polarity of women’s tennis from the 1920’s. Other layering within the collection were airy, sheer tops worn underneath sheer blazers.
Electric Pink
The neon trend continues in the Araks collection, with fun and quirky electric pink brightly standing out amongst the rest. The electric pink against the off white fabric of the neon fil coupe button down dress was stunning standing alone. The collection had a color palette rich in bright pinks, blues, and greens that were softened with classic navy blue twills and nude and white tapered trousers and shoes.
Boyish Charm
While the collection was indeed reminiscent of Araks feminine signature look, the collection had a tomboyishness with a few boxy silhouettes. The femininity of the neon pink nylon trench coat was juxtapositioned with its masculine straight frame. Some of the boyish looks were an oversized coat, jacquard sleeved shirt worn over a classic white button down, pleated knee length skirts, and tapered trousers.
About the Designer
Parsons grad Araks Yeramyan began her fashion career with a line of luxury cotton lingerie in 2000. The collection gained a following among stylish celebs like Sofia Coppola, who prominently clad Scarlett Johansson in the undergarments in the film Lost in Translation. “My lingerie has always had more of a ready-to-wear feeling, so I felt that was the next logical step,” said Yeramyan to WWD. Yeramyan, who went from designing lingerie and swimwear from 2000-2004, designed her first ready-to-wear collection in 2006. While still considered a newcomer, with a list of clientele that includes Michelle Williams, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kirsten Dunst, and Sophia Coppola, the Araks line continues to garner the attention of everyone’s favorite stylish celebrities.
Visit Araks.com to find out more about the designer.
by Amethyst Wang
Photos by Amethyst
