The floating catwalk to take Paris by storm

Jessica Minh Anh, model and entrepreneur, loves pushing the limits with every show she does. She recently redefined Paris fashion show standards with the creation of a 90 metre floating catwalk on the River Seine.

The J Spring Fashion Show that took place on 30^th May created an illusion of models walking on water, with guests seated facing the multi-facetted glass windows of Le Jean Bruel. The show also allowed the audience to watch the presentation in front of them while the boat was cruising. Architectural wonders such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, the Louvre and the 37 famous bridges became the natural moving backdrop for this phenomenal catwalk. What a sight it was! 

The presentation was an exquisite combination of haute couture and prêt-à-porter collections from four continents: Europe, Asia, South America and Africa.

Starting with Europe, Spanish sensation Katerina Grey dressed her models in exotic fabrics, modern shapes and dramatic lengths, breaking away from the traditional image of a classic woman.

Strong and lavish colours of black, gold and red of this Spanish designer contrasted against the harmonious sentiments brought to the show by Vietnamese design talent Ha Linh Thu. With a balance of East and West embroidery, Linh Thu presented a detailed and unique blend of materials and craftsmanship. Floral designs were the focus of this collection.

The English wood and leather handbag brand, Black Rose Collection, also presented their designs but in musical fashion – naming each handbag after a composer or an opera.

The high-end and ready-to-wear collection by UAE designer Aiisha Ramadan focused upon simplistic lines that complemented the female form through the use of bold colours of yellow and red.

Peruvian designer Carlos Vigil used silk shantung and fine botanical Chantilly lace to depict Mother Nature through the shapes and movements of plants throughout the year.

The haute couture collection by Nigerian designer Mai Atafo illustrated the height of femininity and individuality. Enchanting dresses were accessorised with bow-shaped jewellery from Parisian creator Reine Rosalie. 

Japanese artist Yumi Katsura incorporated the traditional kimono dyeing techniques with a modern twist on design and reproduced hand-painted motif prints on silk. English brand Elite Sposa UK displayed 25 floor-length bridal dresses, including Swarovski crystals and statement floral details that were stunning.

Italian brand Silvian Heach focused upon the unconventional women, introducing the “it girl” closet – a combination of lavish and youthful grunge-chic. The collection, entitled Stardust, conveys a message of fashion freedom.

The closing act of the show came from Lebanese celebrity designer Robert Abi Nader. Jessica decided upon his work as in her words: “I am completely mesmerised by Robert’s designs, which reflect a captivating fusion of materials and colours. You can see an almost unattainable balance between two contradictory states of whimsicality and boldness.”

The event was bought together through the partnership between J Model Management and SMRT Media. Other official partners included Toni&Guy France, Make Up For Ever Academy Paris, Renaissance Paris Arc de Triomphe Hotel, FF-Packaging Netherlands, and S’Com Europe.

Pooja Sahny

Watch the official video for J Spring Fashion Show 2013 here: