Pump up the volume this spring with Sofie D’Hoore’s innovative collection
Pure lines and modernist look of Belgian designer's eponymous collection make it a draw for fashion insiders, writes Divia Harilela
Who started it? Belgian designer Sofie D’Hoore was born in Antwerp and studied dentistry at the University of Leuven. After completing her training, however, she realised fashion was her true passion and enrolled in Antwerp’s famed Royal Academy of Fine Arts, in 1985. After working with several brands in Italy, she moved to Brussels and launched her eponymous label in 1992. Since then the brand has been popular with fashion insiders thanks to its pure lines and modernist approach.
Why we love it: to the naked eye, D’Hoore’s designs are quite discreet. However, once on the body they are transformed thanks to her use of innovative cuts and quality materials. Fabric is the starting point for every collection so expect tactile materials and an almost obsessive attention to craftsmanship and construction.
That being said, D’Hoore’s mission is to create structured clothes that are still comfortable and practical (she’s known for playing with volume). Everything is lightweight and easy to wear. As a result, her designs have a timeless appeal with a nod towards modernism.
Her spring-summer 2016 collection, for example, is a study in pleating using paper-light fabrics. These are then moulded into airy silhouettes, which are given a modern update with bold colour blocks of fuchsia, orange and green.
