Manuel Bolano S/S'14: Blue En Francais

First admired at the 080 Barcelona Fashion Week, Manuel Bolano’s new campaign and title is a

name and force to be reckoned with; his SS14 collection indeed has powerful connotations of eccentricity

and creativity associated with it.

Often noted as remarkably complex and innovative with his out of the box imagination,

his collection, ‘Blue En Francais’ is one that must be indulged in.

Boasting forced smiles, surgical masks and patched up teddy bears, Manuel Bolano’s S/S'14 line 

is an aftermath of inspiration divulged by teenage heartbreak during a trip to Japan and the 

Marcal Forces directed film, ‘Animals’.

“Listen with bated breath to the vague impulses of your heart. Small pains among the pale flowers. 

Now I rise, now I feel the fear and confusion. Now I welcome you on my shoulder if you don’t want me

 to be gloomy after the abandonment of a rainy sky. I feel the sky tremble when you touch my hand and 

I don’t want to avoid leaving the blue sky behind."

Manuel Bolano’s phantasmagorical dream world which has bottled the adult form stuck in a

 childlike vision is an enchanting delight if not emitting sinister overtones with its eerie props

 contrasted against the embellished glitz.

The boundaries between darkness and light are marred by the depth and scope of Bolano’s

 imagination and kawaii dystopia of pastel hues palettes, oversized silhouettes and 

Barbie-braid ties.

Emitting Lady Gaga-esque vibes and using sheer fabrics, print and techniques, Bolano in this 

industry of fashion commercialisation maintains his creative integrity and originality even when

 capturing the popular take on East Meets West. Although his pieces are mysterious and subtle 

with its nuances, we are captivated by the level of detail and attention towards the design as the 

fantasy influences visually tell a magical tale.

What also sets apart Bolano from the rest in the game of fashion designing is that he uses an

 innovative technique of accessorising, opting to the reject the use of fringing or embellishment

 but rather adorning collars with Barbie-braids complimented with a bow. He further uses 

ropes and rock climbing hooks to create belts to complete the stylish outfits. Bolano’s

 flamboyant design aesthetic and immaculate tailoring makes a statement

 and boy does he make a statement.

Zohra Khan

He does his S/S'14 campaign with flair, style, originality, creativity and a pinch of eccentricity, a vital must have for any statement fashion designer. Click here to visit the website!

As written for The Clothes Maiden