The Couture dresses inspired by orchids
Beyonce and Lady Gaga are fans of the designs of Jan Taminiau and we wonder if we’ll be seeing them wearing his latest couture collection inspired by orchids.
The shapes, the fragile nerve pattern and the colours of the orchids were all sources of inspiration – which transpired into two dresses amongst other pieces in a collection that was shown this week during Couture Fashion Week in Paris.
The designer partnered with ‘Art of Life’, a group of Dutch Orchid Growers to create the pieces. The groups provided Taminiau with a sea of the flowers to support his creative inspiration.
“I wanted to discover the possibilities that the orchid has to offer, and be guided by the orchid’s colours, its vein-like structures, and its variegated shades,” says the designer.
“The orchid not only inspired me, it surprised me. Orchids are every bit as fascinating as the women who walk into my studio.”
The dress inspired by the Phalaenopsis OrchidThe dresses symbolise the orchid’s status in the plant kingdom. Not only is the orchid the Queen of Plants, it’s also the perfect living fashion and home accessory. Taminiau says: “As with people, an orchid is a living thing that grows more beautiful with time.”
The dress was inspired by the Phalaenopsis, an orchid with a name derived from the Greek words ‘Phalaina’ (moth) and ‘opsis’ (resembling). The story goes that during one of his trips, Dutch botanist, Dr C.L. Blume, saw a group of butterflies floating almost motionless beside a tree. These turned out to be Phalaenopsis orchids.
The dress inspired by the Vanda OrchidJan Taminiau was also inspired by the Vanda Orchid. The Vanda is a rare orchid that does not need any earth to survive. Its roots hang loose in the air or wrap themselves around trees.
“We are very proud and honoured that Dutch designer Jan Taminiau did not only research, explore and use the obvious beauty of the orchid, but moreover was amazed by its hidden features. In the different pieces of his collection, Jan Taminiau highlights this hidden beauty, which is a true compliment to the orchid and the orchid growers.” – Art of Life
Tagged in Fashion Week fashion Paris Fashion Week