The thought process behind Viktor & Rolf’s latest couture show was evident – transforming the humble white tennis dress while taking inspiration from the iconic works of Cubist and Surrealist artists.
Viktor Horsting announced pre-show, “It’s a Surrealist meeting of a white polo shirt and Cubist portraits. We call it a performance of sculpture.”
The self proclaimed ‘fashion artists’ continue to explore the relationship between garments and art, this time referencing the greats such as Pablo Picasso, Georges Braque and Henri Matisse.
The collection started out relatively tame, by the designers’ standards at least, with simple shift dresses decorated with recognisable elements of Cubist paintings. As each model subsequently took to the runway, the piqué garments became more intricate, voluminous and conceptual. Soon, the models became obscured as the art took center stage. Towering structures eventually covered models’ heads and limbs entirely – culminating in an impressive, wearable rendition of Picasso’s Guernica stalking down the catwalk.
The designers recently announced they were closing their ready-to-wear business, to focus entirely on Couture and Fragrances. They also revealed that a capsule collection of 100 tops and dresses inspired by this week’s show will be available to order on Moda Operandi.
Images courtesy of Getty
