More than the straight ‘up-and-down’ catwalk images that flood the internet today, it’s the exquisite details that really count when it comes to appreciating a designer’s work. Yes, an idea of the overall silhouette is important too – but the endless possibilities of print & texture, appliqué and embroidery are what come together to form the intrinsic fusion that makes a garment truly ‘signature’.

For Walter Van Beirendonck, wild colour and the interplay between body-hugging and loose forms have always been trademarks of his exuberant, often-political collections. For Fall Winter 2011-12, he envisaged ”Hand on heart”, street-casting African models for a high-impact statement of dark skin against rainbow and pastel-hued clothing. Standout details included floral jacquards, beaded scarves and a myriad of shaggy knitwear in gradient tones.

A BLOG got up close & personal with the collection yesterday at the TOTEM press day, see details below.