Dice Kayek’s Ece Ege doesn’t do girly—the mere mention of the word makes her cringe. Neither does she do sexy, the idea of which induces a rolling of the eyes in mock despair. Also: Her color palette is always implacably restricted to navy, black, and white. So it was somewhat surprising to see the Parisian showroom where the Resort collection was shown bursting with bright fuchsias, oranges, and emerald greens, and resplendent with brocade, silk gazar, silk duchesse, and mousseline. What happened? “I always love a good challenge,” was Ege’s ready answer.
The designer hails from Turkey, and lives between Paris and Istanbul. References to her Ottoman culture were distilled in her penchant for structure and construction, and perceptible this season not only in the use of vibrant hues, but also in a more sensuous and joyful approach to shapes and silhouettes. Cases in point were ballerina dresses in bright, saturated colors swinging with triumphs of ruffles. A tunic in liquid white silk satin printed with black roses was draped sinuously around the body, and a billowy caftan in silk organza was printed with humongous emerald polka dots. It looked spectacular: “It’s djellaba couture,” said Ege.
Inspired by traditional Turkish dowries, exquisite floral motifs were reprised on a shirtdress in sheer white cotton organza with puff sleeves and a ruched short skirt. Ege showed it with a matching mini slipdress made with origami-like folds, which could also be worn as a minidress or paired with jeans. Even if it wasn’t girly, it certainly looked adorable and delightfully feminine.
