A glowering line of wood nymphs with nimbuses of hair floating above them and yokes of horn around their necks were the perfect showcase for an ethereal Lucian Matis fall collection edged in darkness.

Watch the video of the Lucian Matis fashion show here.
View backstage photos here.

Some of that edge was courtesy of the massive horn jewellry (and actual antlers!) spiking out of the models' hair and looped around their necks. It was a lovely contrast to the sensual, silky pieces that Matis sent out as his "City Hunter" collection for fall.

The show started off a little slow with a few frocks that were too busy with ruffles, beading, pattern, colour, and that infernal exposed zipper again.

He soon pared it down, including some lovely tailored toppers, like a low-cut, scoop-neck blazer nipped in at the waist; a jacket with French cuffs and a tiny tail of pleats; and a black fitted trench with a military feel and worn with black leather gloves.

But it was the handful of dresses that rounded out the show that were breathtaking. The purple shift with a black lace applique down the front. The brown velvet dress with the slip poking out and a twisted bust. A long, draped silk gown.

And the see-through, seamed column with a black beaded belt and matching straps? So beautiful.

Magical, really.

All photos by Perry Ge