PARIS, Oct 5, 2009 / FW/ — Having been so used in seeing futuristic silhouettes at Hussein Chalayan’s catwalk, the very “of today” collection that referenced the elegance of the 1960s using today’s advances in fabric technology just took my breath away.

Hussein Chalayan Spring 2010

Walking shorts that reach just mid-thigh, apron dresses cinched at the waist with sewn-in belt, jackets cut away on the side to resemble a vest, pencil skirt with a few of the snaps open just to reveal the legs and Capri-length trousers were accessorized with wide sun hats and diamond-shaped sunglasses and visors.

Whether these women are habitués of the Rivieras or the Hamptons, grace and class run deep.

Interspersed with these clothes is the J Brand by Hussein Chalayan capsule collection. Though this is the second time that Hussein Chalayan is collaborating with J Brand, this is the first time that key J Brand/Hussein Chalayan pieces appeared on the runway.

The high-rise Chino Capri in Aspen and the high-rise button through knee length denim pencil Skirt in Aspen were featured on the runway twice.

Says Hussein Chalayan about his collaboration with J Brand, “Translating the language, themes and styles of our main-line Spring / Summer 2010 collection directly into J Brand denim has been an exciting progression in our collaboration, giving us the opportunity to further continue the hybrid aesthetic of our brand.”

True to form, the Spring/Summer 2010 collection blends the expertise of both J Brand’s innovative fit, wash and fabric techniques with Chalayan’s high-concept, inventive design.

[MARGUERITE SEBASTIEN]