PARIS - It was the modern bohemian woman on parade in Belgian designer Veronique Branquinho's ready-to-wear.
Fall-winter 2013-14 saw a mix and match of eclectic references: from wooden African bracelets, Obi-style dresses with belts, via mohair, faux leopard and English tweeds.
The soundtrack included Marilyn Monroe's sultry "One Silver Dollar" from the Western "River of No Return," which played as cowboy boots and denim studs peppered the looks.
Stetson cowboy hats in Shetland went too far, but overall it was a strong collection for the up-and-coming designer — reined in only by its feminine silhouette proportions and textural contrasts that unified the show.
The graceful, slouchy style, now a Branquinho signature, was seen on several of the dropped waist looks, often in beige and fawn.
"Yes, it's eclectic, but always sophisticated and in balance," Branquinho said backstage. "The most important thing for me is to have a modern elegant woman with a lot of influences."
In that, she succeeded.
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Thomas Adamson can be followed at http://Twitter.com/ThomasAdamsonAP
