Kris Van Assche in Paris

Tim Blanks of Style.com had this to say about Kris Van Assche’s Spring 2007 showing in Paris:

After a few earnest but flawed seasons in the menswear arena, Kris Van Assche just might be proving that womenswear—his original ambition, as it turns out—is what serves his talents best…

…the collection could be read, simply, as a contemporary take on slouchy ease. Case in point: Van Assche likes to put pockets in everything, even the most billowing skirt, so hands always have a place to hide

The full review can be read here.

While I wouldn’t put Van Assche in the same category, city or region as a Raf Simons, when it comes to menswear I’d be hard pressed to say that his past men’s collections were flawed. In 2006, Van Assche’s voluminous trousers were a nice touch; while also exploring a steady design direction. The past collections didn’t have the commercial feel of say a Harmon or other contemporaries and that’s a good thing. While Van Assche’s collection for women is indeed interesting, I wouldn’t go so far as to say that it is better or worse than his men’s collection. It’s merely different for obvious reasons and as a cop out, not so obvious reasons (like adding the multiple pockets in long flowing dresses).