Paule Ka goes for très French at Paris FW

Paule Ka creative director, Alithia Spuri-Zampetti, spoke to Relax News during Paris Fashion Week, which runs February 28 to March 7 in the French capital. The designer talked about her new fall/winter 2017-2018 collection, which previewed February 28 at 12pm, as well as outlining her inspirations and her view of fashion today. 

How would you describe this FW17 collection?

It is inspired by French style. To find inspiration, I studied the movements and the people who have made France -- and Paris, in particular -- a style reference for centuries. From the Baroque to the Royal Court of Louis XIV and Marie-Antoinette and the extravagance of the Rococo period, as well as the Neoclassicism of the Napoleonic era, and before the arrival of the major couturiers of the 20th century, France has always been considered a master of taste and style in Europe.

What are its main inspirations?

In keeping with my inspirations, I have chosen a historic location as the setting: the ballroom of the InterContinental Paris Le Grand Hotel, where I can visualize the contrast between the opulent decorations of the past and the purity of white clothing looks. These were inspired by couture structures and lingerie -- two techniques invented in France in the 1950s -- then elaborated in high-tech materials.

Who did you design this collection for? What facet of a woman's life?

The collection is designed to flatter and compliment the bodies of women who wear it, always through the pleasure of indulging themselves. In the collection, women will find the unique and accessible style of Paule Ka, to conceive a wardrobe that's progressive, always up to date with the times, and a Parisian chic with twists of mischievous detail. Amped up volumes and clean, simple lines, clever trompe-l'œil effects, sensual and feminine draping, and audacious accessories comprise this couture and contemporary wardrobe, drawing towards an always joyful kind of elegance. The perfect pants, the cocktail dress or the ideal handbag allow everyone to subtly escape from classics and build their own wardrobe, to live daily life like the most precious moments of a lifetime.

Bella Hadid, Gigi Hadid, Kendall Jenner. These three young women are as popular on the runway as they are on social networks. Is this a new generation of supermodels, one for the digital age?

Yes, these women are extremely influential in the fashion world today. Beyond the runways, they have managed to build real communities around themselves. As well as their beauty, they represent a busy, active woman who always moves with the times.

From socially or politically conscious to fun to connected: how do you see fashion evolving in the coming years?

Fashion is in constant evolution, and this has been even more so over the last few years, with new technologies, "see now, buy now" and the growing impact of social media. Today, everyone sees everything straight away and wants everything straight away. With Paule Ka, we want to convey the importance of time. We develop unique pieces in our rue Saint-Honoré ateliers, and we think about how to adapt each garment to women's busy lives. But we also like the intimate aspect we bring to our fashion house. We want more than ever to pamper women, to offer them a unique product and the chance to discover an exclusive experience.