Emanuel Ungarò
Emanuel
Ungaro was born in Aix-en-Provence; at the young age of 22, he moved to
Paris to study under Belenciaga and Courreges. In 1965, he started his own
couture line which has been distinguished for its sophisticated yet free
spirited designs. In 1996, Salvatore Ferragamo purchased Emanuel Ungaro’s
design house. Dubbed
'Prints Charming' for his fabulous mixes of rich floral prints with checks,
polka dots, Emanuel Ungaro has also been called the 'Master of the Female
Form' in tribute to his sexy figure-hugging dresses. Surprise and
innovation are the main Ungaro trademarks; hemlines suit the cut and
proportions of the garments, rather than slavishly following fashion
trends. The
designers taste for adventure is reflected in the Emanuel collections of
spirited, sophisticated sportswear created for the US market. The range
blends the individuality of French style with the casual chic of US
sportswear.
The
Past and the Present
Ungaro was never one to dress shrinking violets. And once again, he
wheeled out the animal prints, ruffles, sequins and floral embroidery he
so enjoys. For day, soft jackets in houndstooth or rabbit fur came over
sheer chiffon halters and silk trousers that washed about the models’
legs. Cabbage roses blossomed on overcoats with sable cuffs. Eveningwear
featured black sequined trousers paired with matching tunics or tuxedo
jackets. The audience applauded with delight as a silver and gold
fishscale gown swept by, its bodice encrusted with crystals while pink
silk roses adorned the hem. Strapless evening gowns in pearl and peach
satin were more subdued, with sheer veils fanning up from the neckline and
covering the face.
Emanuel
Ungaro staked out his reputation by breaking the golden rule: never mix
checks and stripes. A typical Ungaro collection is a free association of
polka dots, zebra stripes, plaid and splashy flowers yet the designer
manages to skirt total anarchy and deliver haute sophistication each time
out. Ungaro's clothing is as languid and sensuous as the undulating flow
of his multi-vowel name.
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