Café Kallmeyer is back. Daniella Kallmeyer once again presented her collection in real life, this time at the La Mercieie fashion center. “It's about dressing and living in clothes,” she said of her presentation. “That's what Kallmeyer is.” What Kallmeyer is and the community Danillea has built came into view. She chose aprés ski images from the 60s and 70s as a base, setting the room with flowers, playing cards, backgammon games, coffee sandwiches and tea on the tables.
The dynamic nature of vintage photography, such as the contrast between light and shadow, is what caught her attention. “He's so sharp and insightful,” she said, adding that the most important thing was the joy of escapism. The models moved through the space in momentary frames, but far from being stagnant: their clothes are about movement, authenticity, and empowering the wearer.
Before fall, he saw his muse about athletics, the body, and his relationship with clothing. She dove deeper into that here, with languid draping in stretchy fabrics. Two looks stood out in red with technical fabrics. Knits had a varsity feel with striped V-neck details or half-zip mock collars, while an oversized black leather jacket with edge-worn patina looked like a grail find at a flea market. Customers may have found Kallmeyer for its offering of suits or oversized baggy pants (they were here too), but the brand has much more, including flexible bags, classic belts, and more.
Her minimalist streak is powerful, not precious. “The highest compliment you can give a Kallmeyer garment is to live it,” she said.
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