celine ss17 infinity dress | runway CELINE PHOEBE PHILO SS17 Yves Klein body print

The Celine Spring/Summer 2017 collection, under the visionary direction of Phoebe Philo, was a masterclass in juxtaposing the timeless with the contemporary. While the collection is widely remembered for its striking Yves Klein collaborations – think vibrant blue body prints and bold artistic statements – nestled amongst the avant-garde was a piece that resonated with a quieter, more nostalgic elegance: an “infinity dress” that, while not explicitly named as such by Celine, embodies the spirit of versatile, enduring style. This piece, seemingly simple at first glance, drew a subtle but powerful connection to the late 1950s and early 1960s, specifically echoing the charm of a blue and white gingham cotton dress. This article delves into the Celine SS17 collection, examines the potential inspiration behind this particular dress, and explores its significance within the broader context of Philo's design philosophy.

Celine Spring 2017: A Symphony of Contrasts

To understand the impact of this seemingly understated dress, it's crucial to contextualize it within the larger framework of the Celine SS17 collection. The collection, presented during Paris Fashion Week, was lauded as one of the best of the season, a testament to Philo's ability to consistently deliver thought-provoking and aesthetically compelling garments. As highlighted in "Fashion Month SS17 Best Looks From The Catwalk," the collection showcased a mastery of texture, silhouette, and color, playing with both masculine and feminine elements in a way that felt effortlessly chic.

The "Celine Meets Yves Klein For Spring/Summer 2017" theme dominated much of the discussion surrounding the collection. Philo's collaboration with the Yves Klein Foundation introduced a vibrant jolt of International Klein Blue (IKB) into the collection, a hue synonymous with the artist's groundbreaking work. This iconic blue manifested in body prints, bold separates, and even accessories, creating a visually arresting statement. Articles like "Céline x Yves Klein – mabou" and "Celine Yves Klein" explored the synergy between Philo's minimalist aesthetic and Klein's conceptual art, highlighting the collection's intellectual and visual depth.

However, the collection wasn't solely defined by its bold artistic collaborations. It also featured elements that spoke to a more subtle and enduring sense of style. This is where the "infinity dress," inspired by the delicate blue and white gingham cotton dresses of the mid-century era, found its place. While not as overtly attention-grabbing as the IKB pieces, it represented a different facet of Philo's design sensibility: a respect for classic silhouettes and a penchant for understated elegance.

An Echo of the Past: The Blue and White Gingham Inspiration

Imagine a late 1950s or early 1960s blue and white gingham cotton dress. It's a quintessential symbol of mid-century femininity, evoking images of picnics, summer days, and a simpler way of life. These dresses often featured a rounded neckline, a flattering silhouette, and details that added a touch of sweetness. The Celine SS17 "infinity dress," though undoubtedly modern in its execution, shared a certain kinship with this iconic garment.

While the exact details of the Celine dress may not have mirrored the vintage gingham dress perfectly, the shared elements of a light, summery fabric, a rounded neckline, and a certain simplicity of design created a powerful resonance. The Celine dress, in its own way, acted as a modern interpretation of this classic silhouette, updated for the contemporary woman.

The key to understanding this connection lies in Philo's ability to deconstruct and reinterpret classic garments. She wasn't simply replicating a vintage dress; she was taking its essence and translating it into a new and relevant form. The Celine dress likely retained the clean lines and effortless wearability of its mid-century predecessor, while incorporating modern details and a more streamlined silhouette.

Embroidered Front Yoke and Delicate Details

The specific details of the hypothetical late 1950s/early 1960s gingham dress – a rounded neckline with an embroidered front yoke, complete with tiny white lace flower details, each with a small diamante – are significant in understanding the nuances of the inspiration. These details, while seemingly minor, contribute to the overall charm and femininity of the garment.

An embroidered front yoke adds a touch of texture and visual interest to the bodice of the dress, drawing the eye and creating a focal point. The delicate white lace flower details, each adorned with a small diamante, further enhance the dress's feminine appeal, adding a subtle sparkle and a touch of whimsy.

It's possible that the Celine SS17 "infinity dress" incorporated similar, albeit modernized, details. Perhaps it featured a geometric embroidered pattern on the yoke, or perhaps the lace flowers were replaced with more abstract floral appliqués. The diamante details, while potentially omitted for a more minimalist aesthetic, could have been reimagined as subtle metallic accents.

These details, whether directly replicated or reinterpreted, serve as a reminder of Philo's attention to detail and her ability to infuse even the simplest garments with a sense of sophistication and charm.

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