Daily Front Row

2009 March 25

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A Fall 2009 look from HEAL.
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(NEW YORK) With many emerging fashion houses contracting and downscaling, new designers sense an opportunity to present inaugural collections full of hope and splash. Such was the case in Paris, where seasoned couture designers Hervé Koelich and Alice Reydellet have launched HEAL, a new brand whose name derives from a hybrid of their own. The husband-and-wife team, who have worked with the likes of Christian Lacroix, debuted their inaugural collection during Paris Fashion Week, and the European press and buying contingent have responded warmly. "Everyone is very interested in the lobster dress," laughed Reydellet, referring to a slew of requests from the likes of Marie Moatti. "But we wanted to do something very different, very fresh, because that it what is interesting the market right now," added Koelich.

HEAL is finacially backed by Hugues and Marie Taittinger, who hosted the presentation of approximately twenty looks that merged an avant-garde design sensibility with a focus on wearable key pieces, like softly deconstructed leggings and screen-printed tees. One wild navy cocktail dress is endowed with a large parrot appliqué, while elaborately piped jackets offer an alternative for those suffering from motocross fatigue. The brand doesn't have a retail presence in the United States at this time, but orders continue to come in.
ASHLEY BAKER