DALLAS, Oct 10, 2005/ FW/ --- Costume designers in Hollywood can take some cues from Filip Arickx and An Vandevorst, the design duo behind the label AF Vandevorst for dressing up actresses in a sci-fi flick because the Belgian designers know how to create clothes that are ultra modern and futuristic yet they can connect to the women of today.

Take the duo’s Spring 2006 collection for instance. It’s uber cool, hip and transcends time and space without looking like a scene from Captain Kirk’s stage set. The collection is so ‘in’ for today’s dressing that it is even within the forecasted trends for 2006.

Neutrals in soft white, beige, gray and black, architectural silhouettes that played on volume. It has a very light feeling without being breezy. It is fresh sans the floral prints that come with spring.

It is almost minimalist, wherein the cut and tailoring are the ones that make them standout. It’s urban without being ‘street,’ its club culture without being hyper. In fact, there is an aura of serenity around it, built on top of a smoldering sensuality that borders on sexy without being overt.

Prints are literally tiny, as in newsprint silk-screened on the fabric. Details like buttons and shoelaces used as closures for tops and zippers in unusual places give it a very modern appeal that is based on classical tailoring.

Hints of lace and ruffles give the collection a romantically feminine allure. And that’s the reason why the collection is timeless, with dissimilar elements juxtaposed with each other resulting to a very distinct look and statement.

Must have from this collection when it hits store in March – the snug fitting beige jacket with buttons right below the collar, the silvery white mid-calf gown in accordion pleats and the silvery white trench coat with an obi sash.

AF Vandevorst

AF Vandevorst

AF Vandevorst

AF Vandevorst