For Karin Schönenberger’s final year collection, “Tender is the Night”, she found inspiration in early 20th century photographs of Indian Maharajas and the display of power, status and wealth in their costume. She felt that this theme provided the perfect opportunity to use lace from her native Austria – the ingenious use of which displays her wealth of creativity.

Karin Schönenberger www.antwerp-fashion.be

“I´ve been wanting to use lace for a long time and this seemed the right moment. I grew up in a small town in western Austria, which also happens to be where the famous lace manufacturers of ‘Austrian Embroideries’ are located, which were the only access to fashion throughout my childhood and youth. I wanted to reflect that experience and part of my history with fashion in this collection.”

Karin Schönenberger www.antwerp-fashion.be

Karin Schönenberger www.antwerp-fashion.be

Karin Schönenberger www.antwerp-fashion.be

Karin Schönenberger www.antwerp-fashion.be

Karin Schönenberger www.antwerp-fashion.be

Today, power and status are exclusively defined by wealth. Even with our technological advancements and lifestyles approaching break-neck speed, we haven’t moved beyond the basic human desire to flaunt wealth through pomp and ceremony. Though in some circles the definition of good taste has changed, wealthy people still commission painstakingly crafted garments, wear the most luxurious textiles and flaunt the rarest gems. Traditionally, the best examples of this kind are from royalty, and India’s royal costume is arguably the most incredibly rich and detailed in the world.

“The Maharajah of Bharatpore” www.harappa.com

Schönenberger explains, “I tried to find fabrics which look luxurious and elegant yet create a modern feel at the same time. I wanted to keep the color range minimal to have the accent on the fabrics. The collection starts off very light and bright, then goes into silver and gold nuances to end in a dark climax.” Given that “Tender is the Night” refers to a queen out with her entourage, this range is suitable for a royal procession at any hour of the day.

Karin Schönenberger www.antwerp-fashion.be

Karin Schönenberger www.antwerp-fashion.be

Karin Schönenberger www.antwerp-fashion.be

Karin Schönenberger www.antwerp-fashion.be

Karin Schönenberger www.antwerp-fashion.be

The one print Schönenberger did use in her collection represents both the theme of the show and her decision to work with Austrian lace. “I used this photograph [from] 1910 of the interior of a palace in India. The huge chandelier gives you the visual impression of lace, which links it again to the other dresses. On the other hand I wanted to give an idea of these girls just coming from a party in a location like that.”

Karin Schönenberger www.antwerp-fashion.be

Schönenberger says that she plans to, “…gain more experience in the ‘real’ fashion world and work for a bigger prêt à porter fashion house.” No doubt the gold nuances in her final year collection reflect a very bright future.