With the flurry of international fashion weeks everywhere, fashion lovers everywhere have been bombarded with this trend and that (“prints!” “neon!” “downtown hipster sh*t!”). It can all quite frankly feel a bit over-exposed, and I’m not even at any of these actual events! What’s a clothes horse to do? Let me offer your exhausted eyes some relief by introducing you to Austrian designer, Claudia Brandmair.
I first heard of Brandmair when I stumbled across an old article highlighting the “new stars” of Austrian design. After incubating her talent in her native country and stints at Marc Jacobs, Brandmair struck out on her own with her namesake label in 2003.
Following the steps of minimalist designers like Calvin Klein and Phoebe Philo, Brandmair concentrates on the razor execution of simplicity. Each of Brandmair’s successive collections tirelessly reinvents neutral basics. The seamless array of elegantly cut, sumptuously draped sweaters, pants, tops and dresses bring to mind the ideal capsule wardrobe. Each piece is endlessly versatile and timeless; collections from 2009 feel just as fresh and classic as those from 2013. The only hints at embellishment come from the sheen of a silken pant leg, or the daring deep-v of a sweater. In a nod to Fall’s leather trend, there is a single structured leather blouse. After all the prints and brights of the S/S 2013 shows recently, Brandmair is a calming balm to the soul.
The only sad part? Only Europeans can get their Brandmair fix for now. I have a feeling I’ll be channeling a cheapo version of Brandmair in my future with some skinny sweaters and loose slacks, will you?
Sources
Official site
Not Just a Label
