Sporting a black and gold brocade safari jacket discerningly paired with gold harem pants, Nefreretta was brought to life in the Sirivannavari Spring/Summer 2021 fashion show held last Thursday evening at Royal Paragon Hall, Siam Paragon.
HRH Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya.
"This latest collection tells the story of 'Nefreretta', a young and modern lady. The exquisite details of Egyptian styling were brought to my attention, and integrated with the Maison's semi-couture tailoring technique. As a final touch, the collection has an intergalactic, otherworldly twist, to create a sense of avant-garde and élégance," said creative director HRH Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya.
The story begins in Vienna's Kunsthistorisches Museum, where Nefreretta works as a curator specialising in Egyptian history. She passes spectacular art pieces by grand masters such as Titian, Vermeer, Raphael and Gustav Klimt, in making her way towards the Egyptian and Near Eastern gallery.
Surrounded by Egyptian antiquities, the curator finds herself enthrallingly captivated -- as if in a trance. Suddenly, a vision of two different worlds flashes before her eyes. In the first, a beautiful daughter of an Egyptian king, and another, of herself.
The plot is seamlessly translated into the Sirivannavari and S'Homme Spring/Summer 2021 collection, aptly titled Nefreretta.
"As this character, Nefreretta, is an Austrian-born Egyptian, her taste is relatively Europeanised. As a way of paying homage to her roots, I added subtle hints of Egyptian details into her style, to make her unique while staying true to who she is," explained the Princess.
"Vibrant colours, ranging from turquoise to gold and terracotta, along with the accessories and symbols of Egypt have been delicately reanimated. In particular, I introduced a new shape as this seasons' key motif -- the Egyptian lotus."
Pieces featuring the embroidered Egyptian lotus include a tulle blouse and an ivory silk evening gown with a dramatic necklace.
Sirivannavari Atelier and Academy's exquisite craftsmanship in couture embroidery is clearly visible, from intricate gold-threaded embellishments to encrusted turquoise elements and beads that adorn the delicate tulle and brocade. Besides the Egyptian lotus, other embroidered motifs include eagles, cats, bees, flowers and Egyptian hieroglyphs.
Graphic prints -- a key element of the brand's DNA -- remain a highlight. For this collection, the Princess has created a signature print featuring a collage of the Egyptian lotus, hieroglyphics, owls, tigers and peacocks.
The prints are incorporated throughout the collection, from scarves and espadrille shoes to a draped silk chiffon dress elegantly fastened with a gold leather belt and a lime-green evening gown in pleated silk chiffon.
Other designs include a gold brocade safari jacket paired with gold lamé wide-legged shorts, and a black and white brocade bustier with dramatic tulle sleeves, complemented by biker jeans in a striking metallic gold.
From the 60 looks, seven feature the S'Homme menswear, which celebrates the refinement of a gentleman. Key looks include the Ear of Rice jacquard suit in teal; a pear-green safari jacket with navy blue stripes, paired with linen trousers in olive; and a terracotta coat worn over a white T-shirt and jeans.
Besides the ready-to-wear pieces, Sirivannavari Spring/Summer 2021 collection also includes bijoux, Italian leather goods and eyewear as well as a new line of swimwear with a vibrant palette of neon hues.
Nefreretta, the Sirivannavari and S'Homme Spring/Summer 2021 collection, is available at the Sirivannavari Boutique on the 1st Floor of Siam Paragon Shopping Complex.