Learning that Dryce, the French designer of Moroccan origin behind the label Lahssan, initially studied psychology before entering the world of fashion doesn’t come as a surprise. His reconstructions of the classic trench come across as something of an enigma, teasing to be decoded. Lahssan initially entered the fashion industry as a jack of all trades, assisting stylists, producers, and agents until he became a brand consultant and finally, a designer himself.
“The trench coat really came as a whim. It was a small epiphany. I designed my first collection (Fall 2010) in one night and ever since the trench has become an obsession of sorts,” explained Dryce to Style.com/Arabia.
Citing the formality of the originally male uniform which has become a staple of women’s wardrobes as a captivating subject, Dryce continued, “It is quite fascinating to think how this very beige and bourgeois piece of clothing can transform into something sexy and even subversive just by how the woman wears and wraps it over her body.”
If the designer questions this duality, he is in fact rewriting the rules by deconstructing the trench, cropping it, or creating asymmetrical versions of the classic cotton-gabardine coat.
“I love the idea of challenging women. It’s an exciting and endless conversation…” mused the designer.
Lahssan is available on net-a-porter.com.
—Caterina Minthe
