The age of restraint

Who would have thought that the reign of chandelier earrings would end? It was the Elizabeth I of the accessory world. Though some die-hards may never give it up, like career women and their pointy-toed skyscrapers, other fashion enthusiasts may find themselves exploring some familiar albeit refined territory.

Minimalism is back and we don’t mean overpriced sacks passing themselves off as couture. It’s back – much like the soul of Wallis Simpson stealing England’s king away from frump and circumstance. Ivar Aseron, the fashion world’s favorite pied-piper, celebrates the death of excess. "Minimalism is about stripping down to the most fundamental elements or features," he says. "I’m a bit tired of the excessive use of embellishments and details which have been present for several seasons now."

Minimalism has always been a more artful challenge. Whereas trimmings and ornaments are used to conceal, congeal and distract, the minimalist approach uses no such tricks in creating visions of fabulousness. There is no hoodwinking. Plus, as humans we are never naturally minimalist. The art of Zen is actually a discipline for the hardiest of souls. "One can be a minimalist and avoid being plain by taking a basic silhouette and adding details sparingly. The secret is in the control of those details."

As for the designer himself, who has found an audience in varying forms from soignée dilettantes to more individual and militant souls, he is loved for not nourishing the trend aggressive. "As a designer, my year has been wonderful so far. A lot more clients have been willing to experiment along with me and the press has been more than kind. I have also found a lot of challenges, which are helping me to develop further as a designer," Ivar shares. It’s truly been the year of Ivar, winning MTV’s Designer of the Year, along with the backs of the most stunning of swans covered with his frocks and covers of countless magazines bearing his clothes. Even his name Ivarluski has the ring of a fashion superstar (and he didn’t make it up!).

Truly it is a different kind of delirium, a celebration of detail and not decadence. A showcase of talent without sting. Let the games begin.