It is a rare coincidence when a boutique’s insignia is the perfect expression and embodiment of the coming together of different styles and designs, to create something as completely fresh and unique as Papillon. The insignia is the silhouette of a butterfly. Sleek, feminine, stylish and stunning, the print is a symbol for the contrast in the designs and jewellery on display at Papillon.
The boutique showcases garments designed by fashion guru/veteran Karl Lagerfeld, considered in some circles as a controversial visionary in the fashion world. The pieces stocked by Papillon are from his K as in Karl Lagerfeld line and feature men’s casual dinner jackets with matching ash black pants, but more notable are his designs for women. They include a fun white dress with ruffles to complement the wearer’s figure and trendy, oversized, t-shirt style dresses in black and white. It would not be true to Lagerfeld form if there was no new take on the classic little black dress, and he did not fail to deliver. A black layered dress with fitted bodice and sheer white underlay with three quarter length sleeves was eye catching, but overshadowed by an amazingly simple, high-cut, sleeveless black dress with delicate rib detail on the chest and tiny buttons to add elegance.
Designs from Rest In Peace are also on display and include feminine black and white sheer shirts, a panelled black and grey leather mini with faux alligator skin detail and a white, thick strapped tank top with a netted back panel and a tassel of brown feathers as a feature point. There are also t-shirts from design label Ronin with intricate detailed prints, making them so much more than the average designer t-shirt.
To complement these soft and beautiful designs is jewellery from Cherry Tree Road (who are also the designers behind label Rest in Peace) that unintentionally steals the spotlight. Pieces that need to be mentioned are a preserved orange sea horse necklace, a brass teddy bear in a waist coat with a white tassel backing necklace, a tiny chain purse necklace and then for a touch of something completely different were the troop of worry dolls that are arranged in a line and were used as a focus point for a Lagerfeld jacket and the barbie head necklaces.
Of the two pieces, the Lady Ga Ga inspired head was a talking point for the night. The head was covered in silver glitter paint and glitter and had tiny pieces of broken mirror around one of its eyes and of course came with a little pair of silver head phones. Papillon is all that and then some. For those who love all things fashionable it is a must see to be believed.
You can find Papillon at Level 3, 34-36 Block Place in Melbourne.
Words – Alex Schleibs
Photography – Hannah Caldwell
