At the beginning of fashion week, editors and fashion crowds are always hopeful for a wonderful collection to start them off on a high note. Cue Raf Simons and his awe-inspiring Spring 2011 collection for Jil Sander shown at the Pitti Uomo 78 in Firenze, Italy.

Raf Simons commented, “This isn’t a silhouette-driven collection at all, as a matter of fact. I don’t want to compete with nature; I also don’t want to blend in. What I want is to create a tension, a certain friction or electricity, …”. Even though there is a lot of attention on the silhouettes, like any of Raf’s collections, his main message shined through. The showing was a decidedly “spring” collection with the many pops of electric color from the first group of color blocked exits to the floral printed button-downs (that seemed to replace the face prints of Spring 2010), and even on the bottoms of the shoes. There was also color on the geometric prints of some of the looks. But since you can’t live in bright colors all of the time, there were some darker offerings to get you through the night in style.

“We’re bringing people to an estate in the hills, showing outside in a tremendous garden with a view of the city below. Afterwards, there will be a dinner. We are creating an atmosphere of celebration …” said the designer – and celebration there will be, for a astonishing opening collection to the Spring 2011 season.

For video of the collection streamed live on June 17th, click here

The Full Collection / 44 Pics

[Images: Giovanni Giannone]