A giant cruise ship passed behind the heads of the guests seated across from me. Rows of lights glided past us, towering over the port. Guests sat comfortably as the weather was quite friendly for us that evening.

A mystical intro of sounds crept in as anxious eyes looked around, waiting for the models to enter. Nobody was prepared for what was coming.

Black high waist trousers and a sparkly black kimono sleeve top kicked off the show. Held together by a wide shiny waist belt, 3 buckles hugging closely to the models thin waist, the look resembled a kimono inspired jumpsuit.

An entourage of devilishly sexy mythological Geisha ensembles came down French designer, Eymeric Francois’ runway.

Sleek and slim silhouettes pointed the center of attention to the enormous kimono sleeves. Floor length gowns with sky-high slits and daringly open backs were decorated with French lace and beaded embellishments. Hot pants and jumpsuits tied into the equation with sheer skirts and form-fitting blazers donning 70s style oversized lapels and long kimono sleeves layered over top. A blazer style top hung from the shoulders, folding into skinny lapels, and opening into the long wings of geisha sleeves from the elbows down. Corset tops covered in sequins and beaded embellishments led the eye down to floor length A-line skirts in satins, lace, and sheers. Mermaid silhouettes cascaded into trains, one adorned in sequins with ruching around the back. Oversized sleeves bunched down the arms of a tea length A-line, covered in beautiful Japanese embroidery.

Decorations were over the top on these magnificent garments. Exquisite French lace with beautifully beaded embellishments painted these evening gowns into wearable masterpieces. Japanese silk embroidery tied the alluring theme into the designs, adding sequins for a modern touch. Purple ribbon with beaded tassels hung from the nape of the neck on one gown, matching the lilac colors embroidered into the kimono sleeves. Faux fur decorated hems, sleeves and the top of one embroidered tea length A-line. The spotlights reflected off of sequins jazzing up corset tops, skirts, and lace gowns.

Each piece in this collection was elegantly sexy and striking; and then a few stood out above the rest. The most striking piece in many guests’ opinions was a gladiator style gown, voluminous hips exaggerating its mermaid silhouette, with zippers along all of the stitching lines. Bringing the show to a close was a large white kimono covered in elaborate silk embroidery with white rope and tassels tying it in at the waist, a long train trailing behind the lengthy model.

Eymeric Francois spelled elegance and fetishism through his strikingly sensual designs. Body hugging silhouettes and long kimono inspired elements tied his creations into empowering and sexy Geisha garments. There’s no doubt that every model looked absolutely stunning on that runway.

Show review written by Sacha Kinser (Founder of ColorMeCashmere) supported by Pierre Mizzi (LogixCreative team) for #MFWA2016.

A word from the bloggers…

“His nipped in waists, corsets and zippers are all trademarks of his designs as is his obvious reference to the world of fetish and dominant women.” –Caroline’s Fashion Styling

“Geisha collection was a perfect mix of Japanese style and a strong influence of fetish resulting in contemporary, timeless yet still elegant pieces that transformed the catwalk to a place radiating magic.” –Pavli

“From his experience working as an assistant to top haute couture designers Christian Lacroix and Therry Mugler in his twenties, he developed a somewhat daring style, known for his signature use of the corset as well as his play with unexpected materials”-Grazielle Camilleri

“Sculpted corsets, thigh high slits and slim-fitting gowns made the models wearing his gowns feel every bit sensual and seductive.” –Diva Inside

“I find that his pieces manage to look edgy but still drive romantics crazy, are bold but make even the self-doubting feel confident and dominant.” –Ask Dorianne