Lavender, lilac, amethyst, plum, violets … Didit Hediprasetyo used purple in all its hues for a Fall/Winter 2012 collection inspired by wild orchids.

The Indonesian designer sent down the runway modern daytime silhouettes of short skirts and fitted tops, narrow pants, bomber jackets and his reinterpretation of a Japanese haori, a short jacket with distinctive kimono sleeves. The collection was executed with a mix of textured fabrics, such as ostrich leather and traditional songket from Sumatra.

Whimsical details included floral accents in the hats by British milliner Philip Tracey, beaded jeweled embroideries by Atelier Lesage and hand stitched feathers on skirts. The orchid theme was also reflected in the fabric prints designed in collaboration with Calla Haynes

White and grey chinchilla fur was used to beautifully trim cashmire haori jacket or songket skirt, the textured ruches in duchesse satin on the hips created voluptuous effects, while a fitted corset t-shirt with amethyst beads embroidered sleeves was complemented by a soft silk skirt adorned with a print inspired by the seductive wild orchids.

First published in Couture by Designaré – Vol 3 (September 2012)