Behind the Scenes
The RIVIERA Cruise 18 Collection "Statement Piece' dwells on hand-crafted oblique configurations incised in a delicate textural Kid Leather Hide. This is intertwined by implementing the technique of perforating the leather and fastening together through the application of 7mm golden rings.
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My inspiration for the RIVIERA collection came to me when holidaying. I have always dreamt about heading to the French Riviera, but yet have never ventured that far. I think the idea behind the inspiration was more me having a fantasy or desire to travel and explore. I began to research the architectural materpieces that the French Riviera has to offer and came up with a colour palette inspired by the tonal pinks, oranges and reds of the buildings.
Originally my collection name was going to be simply 'RIVIERA Cruise Collection 18', However I have always struggled with a name for my brand as my name 'Emily Smith' I felt was too simple, so I decided to use RIVIERA as a brand name, as I felt it allowed people to wonder and be intrigued. I have taken a lot of my inspiration for styling from previous cruise-wear collection such as Gucci, as I adore the 'retro-vibe', especially with the use of sunglasses/eyewear.
The RIVIERA Cruise 18 Collection begun with the initial idea and concept and made its way on to the developmental stages. This involved creating a completely unique and distinctive fashion croqui, which is apparent below. The development of the entirety of the collection will continue on displaying the key distinct circular aspects to certain pieces and maintaining the notion of using leather bodices and seperate garments. Some of the more recent garments currently in developmental stages combine a traditional resort-wear feel. Tailored aspects, combined with raw hide skirts and the hand cut circular pieces, joined through the puncturing and implementation of the golden rings. The wrapping of belting and bodices over the top of shirts still remains present throughout.
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