Lebanese-born designer Rabih Kayrouz proved there’s power in simplicity when he presented an extraordinarily light and airy fall/winter 2011 haute couture collection. The Couvent des Cordeliers, which translates into the Cordeliers convent, provided the ethereal backdrop for the show. Surrounded by beaming pillars, Kayrouz opted to fill the centre space of this 13th century refectory with a pool of water. Minimalism meets theatricality as barefoot models walked on water with a liberated stride in the angelic setting.

The uncomplicated styles of this 28-look collection titled “Bubbles,” allowed Kayrouz to display his craftsmanship through the use of luxurious textures combined with artistic techniques. From a polar white bubble knit dress with eyelets that exposed fine needlework to delicate embroidery vis-à-vis a navy broderie anglaise dress with eyelets exposing a citrus-hued charmeuse slip, there was a casual yet chic sensibility to this collection. Short hemlines were also a pervading them in the collection and came in the form of Bermuda shorts as well as above-the-knee skirts and dresses. The athletic silhouettes that dominated the collection did give way to a subtle blend of couture and eveningwear including a long-sleeved lemon charmeuse dress that when belted revealed a gorgeous full pleated skirt. Another showstopper was a white long-sleeved dress accented with a mesh middle that revealed the model’s waist and trimmed with an ecru charmeuse, which tilted in the air forming an elegant shape.

At the end of the show, we headed backstage to congratulate Kayrouz and discuss the collection that he described as fresh, relaxed and happy. “I wanted the girls to enjoy walking on water, to enjoy the cuts and fabrics, to create something very light. I love my work and I like simple things that are very feminine,” says Kayrouz, who prefers to work in silence when designing. “I make clothes that don’t squeeze the body. I like comfortable things. I want to show a woman’s body without being vulgar, or placing them in something that is too tight. You’ll notice my pure cuts. The fabrics I use are meant to be touched.”