Bouchra Jarrar believes in the transformative powers of couture, and spent nearly 20 years perfecting the precise and elegant tailoring technique for which her brand is best known. This intense dedication led the governing body of Couture, the Chambre Syndicale in Paris, to grant Jarrar haute couture appellation. She became the first woman in 30 years to be named grande couturière. She takes the title seriously, eschewing complicated ornamentation for simpler designs that show off her refined couture practices. While some couturiers present collections drenched in razzle dazzle, Jarrar takes a “quiet storm” approach.
For Fall 2014 Couture, she advances a new aesthetic that weaves together traditional sportswear and menswear accents with trim, beautiful tailoring that sits beautifully on the body. Her silk track pants are fluid with movement, and are perfectly balanced with rigid leather vests and eye-catching toppers in a variety of technical fabrics. Jarrar plays up a more flirtatious side to her clothing with gauzy leopard printed dresses topped with solid polo collars, softly feathered sleeveless tops, and jaunty peplum accents. These hints of girlish charm were met with tough leather pieces, fitted trousers, and cool sheath dresses with asymmetrical details. Her exactitude and finesse are not lost because her couture is wearable; in fact, she sticks out on the couture landscape exactly for this reason.
Photos: Courtesy of GoRunway