As part of the Parisian fashion elite, Adeline André draws in a select crowd of couture specialists. As a member of the Syndicate Chamber of Parisian Couture her namesake label is respected for its tasteful approach to design. A long-standing staple at Paris couture week, André consistently draws on simplicity and minimalism to present collections that are intellectual and sophisticated. Little fuss is the statement; as the designer prefers to stick to her own creative philosophy that adamantly avoids the cyclical trends that move in and out of fashion.

André’s favoured hues of black and white appeared on tailored jackets and were the focus of this spring/summer 2012 collection. Straight trench-like jackets with little structure were loosely tied at the waist or left casually to show their natural shape. Each design exuded André’s POV of casual elegance. Without the ostentation that we usually see at the couture shows this was simplicity perfected for the sleek Parisian woman. Simple monotone dresses stripped fashion back to its most basic form. Minimalism was the driving force behind the collection, creating pieces that might be worn today and into the future. Small details came in the form of black lined pockets on a white A-lined jacket modestly exposing a purple dress below. André was clearly demonstrating her desired taste for classic style. The burst of orange on a crepe dress was the loudest piece within the collection, yet paired with white tights it retained the simplicity of the spring couture offering.

The distinctive range of models used to exhibit the collection demonstrated André’s insistence on doing things a little differently from other couturiers. The high-necks, long sleeves, knee scraping coats and dresses in one toned looks was a sign of André’s desire to bring couture back to its most basic form. Essentially a blank canvas, this collection lacked excitement yet its intelligence shone through the minimalism and simplicity ideal for the woman who has a non-fuss approach to fashion. Taking the stylish symbols of the Parisian mode, André was faithful to the sophisticated Parisian elite with her distinctive ‘non-fashionable’ approach to design.