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Laura Andraschko took over Paris’s club Raspoutine this fashion week, turning their ornate red velvet, gold moulded and mirrored interiors into the perfect landscape to present her latest collection. A dip into the lives of the rich and famous, a land where women and men are perfectly toned and tanned, where a cigarette is never unlit, a glass of champagne never empty, where money is a mere toy; An escape to Monte Carlo. An escape to life without a care in the world besides your sugar daddy’s temper, and what you’re wearing today, tonight, tomorrow. Luckily, Andraschko provides many thematic answers to the latter, the only dilemma is picking just one. For a more theatrical effect we have perhaps a sculpted mini made of playing cards? A ballgown embellished with hundreds of polychromatic jetons? For a late afternoon swim- a perfectly designed poker-chip-printed swimsuit so that you get an even suntan on your back and on your legs? Mesh printed capris paired with a peasant sleeve blouse, or a simple sequined tank. Andraschko’s take on a summer sandal- tweed thong-toed wedges and kitten heels with integrated ankle bracelets are perfect for transiting from sandy beaches and spritzes, batting your eyelashes at fresh faced cabana boys into sultry late nights in the casino- martini shaken not stirred. The Andraschko girl knows she’s a good luck charm, even if she’ll sneak away to make out with the coat check when daddy’s planted at the poker table. She might also steal your credit card. Oh to be 25 in 2007, summering in the south of France. And she’s got the boys covered too- or uncovered actually, in tiny tiny speedos- cigar in hand as they saunter down the runway. For the valet, Monaco/Andraschko branded polos and monochromatic satin tuxedo pants. Gold hot shorts and are paired with a white tee that reads « TAX FRAUD » in bold lettering. Bubble hem halter minis and long evening gowns are trimmed with long Mongolian lamb fur. Sumptuous textural elements like jewel-toned brocade and burnt velvet, pussy bows, and pony hair find their way into the mix too, bringing Andrashcko’s collegiate-elite influences from last season back full circle.
Laura Andraschko’s deconstructed universe commits to its campy clichés, her solution to its problematic fundamentals is in the everlasting appeal of sex, youth, and money- falling full throttle into the cinema of it all. But her execution is sharp, clean, and clear, the pieces are wearable and marketable. By channeling the aesthetic monotony, simplicity, and branding of the exclusive spaces that have influenced her perspective, the collection maintains streamlined coherence despite its abundant theatrics. At once effortlessly chic and cleverly trashy, she taps into the essence of fun.
