EtAl unveils lux holiday looks with Noir Elegance

With the arrival of December, it’s time to say goodbye to the old and welcome the new in style. EtAl is ushering in the festive season with a touch of magic, unveiling its latest collection, Noir Elegance – a Christmas reverie that brings vibrant fabrics to life through intricate designs.

The Afrocentric art clothing and accessories store recently launched the new line, much to the merriment of eager fashionistas looking to get festive for the season. According to store owner L. Deean Fontaine, the new collection is a reflection of growth on a personal note as well as within the industry.

“Noir Elegance is a small collection that is representative of the festive season. It also highlights a broader concept of Africa,” she told Living, adding, “EtAl is evolving. With the opening of the Atlanta store in the United States and having a store in Johannesburg, South Africa, I’ve been in a space where I’m not only seeing African print fashion. There are also American and European high-end designs. And I feel like the exposure has made me evolve as well.”

The progression has seen her presentation of prints extending beyond the usual modus operandi. The expanding thought process and offerings to look at other fabrics are evident in every cut, style, and stitch. This successful achievement has also retained the exquisite opulence signature of the brand.

“For this collection, I predominantly worked with linens. I also wanted to incorporate embellishments that made a statement like in the arms. And there are leather trimmings and ruffles as well,” she said.

Staying true to the Yuletide season, Fontaine focused on gown-inspired pieces ideal for formal events such as Christmas dinners, parties, and functions, in joyous colours. “Typically, I will incorporate new designs with the print. This time around, I was able to construct looks even without the print, with colours for the season.”

The response so far has been amazing, with many giving their feedback on the designer’s evolution. Like fine wine, some have yet to acquire the new taste and would have preferred her customary full-bodied approach. But others have noted that the collection brings other sweet notes into the spotlight.

Noir Elegance took a few months to go from concept to runway-worthy execution. Although the expert designer would love to be producing her pieces on the island, she has found it difficult to do so because of the difficulty in finding stable local talent. And so, her production base remains in the motherland.

With plans to premiere another line in February, it is Fontaine’s hope that with this collection and others to come, she will be able to transform the concept of African fashion and re-introduce the luxury of fabric and design in refreshingly refined style.

krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com