Vetements FW17 A Fashion Show? An Art Installation? Both? Neither?
Fashion is a reflection of the moment, of the times we are living in, of politics and culture and the messy messy year that is 2017.
Vetements' FW 17 collection displayed during couture week in Paris, which ended about a week ago, felt like you were taking a stroll in the mall or a public library rather than a runway spectacle.
The clothes, model choices - if you can call them that, they were genuinely normal people like you and I - manifested in every sense what it is to embody diversity. There was something for everyone. The vintage and the new. The young and the old. The ethnically confused, and the patriotically sound.
I read an article on Manrepellar, which inspired this piece. It pointed out that Vetements by Demna Gvasalia, who is also creative director at Balenciaga, is more and more shifting its fashion label into the realm of art installation.
The collection is perplexing, it evokes many questions, and even concerns to the viewer. At times it is even uncomfortably stark, it is a mirror of our current time. Unapologetic and intersting, but most of all rebellious.
I love art installations, more than neon signs, more than sculpture art, more than any art form really. For a fashion label to harness the essence of both art and fahsion, in such a modern way is extremely refreshing. All I can say is, welcome to 2017.
“May the bridges I burn light the way.”
