Tuesday, 4 July 2023
Paris Haute Couture Autumn/Winter 2023-24: Iris van Herpen's Futuristic Fashion Inspired by Aquatic Architecture
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Laser cut designs in sea-colored hues suggest architectural forms for ocean living. |
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Dutch designer Iris van Herpen wears one of her new creations in the gardens of the Netherlands ambassador's residence in Paris |
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Futuristic face jewellery created for the collection with Malakai and Rinaldy Yunardi. |
Iris van Herpen's Architectonics collection marries these architectural concepts with haute couture, delivering a glimpse into a future where humanity and the oceans can coexist. As our world faces pressing environmental challenges, this collection offers not only a visual feast but also new ideas about creating a more sustainable future.
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Monday, 26 June 2023
Wooyoungmi: Bridging Cultures through Fashion and Exploring Jeju Island's Contrasting Identities
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A translucent and shimmering design with delicate illustrations of the Nomura jellyfish, a highlight of the new Wooyoungmi collection. Main photograph (above) and cover picture by Elli Ioannou. |
As the world's attention turns towards South Korea, with the explosion of K-pop, local label Wooyoumgmi's Spring 2024 collection explores the country's culture and the global fascination it inspires. Creative director Madame Woo drew inspiration from the contrasting facets of Jeju Island, showing the dichotomy between the raw and rocky environment of the haenyeo divers and the vibrant party culture adored by the nation's youth, writes Isabella Lancellotti. Photography by Elli Ioannou
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Immersed in the blue light of a metaphorical sea, Wooyoungmi's creations glimmered tantalizingly. |
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The voluminous shirts and trousers recalled the '80s party scene on Jeju Island. |
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This was sleek yet sumptuous collection that was both original and very wearable. |
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Breaking Boundaries: Henrik Vibskov's New Collection Unboxes Fashion's Conventions and Celebrates 20 Years of Creative Excellence
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The vivid orange boxing rings of Henrik Vibskov's presentation at the Lycée Henri-IV in Paris. Main photograph (above) and cover picture of the Wooyoungmi SS24 show by Elli Ioannou for DAM. |
In a departure from conventional inspirations, Danish designer Henrik Vibskov broke new ground with his Spring/Summer 2024 collection, presented in Paris. Drawing from the unexpected realms of cardboard boxes and the art of boxing, Vibskov challenges the limits of creativity and reimagines the concept of packaging. By exploring the symbolic and physical dimensions of boxes, the collection ignites curiosity and prompts us to reconsider the very essence of fashion, writes Antonio Visconti. Photography by Elli Ioannou
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For the new collection, Vibskov was inspired by both the world of packaging and boxing in the ring. |
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The installation of the colorful boxing arena created an intriguing space where fashion and sport meet. |
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This striking 'boxy' checked suit was part of the new SS24 collection. |
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This garment (above) has "out for delivery" as part of its textile design worn with an abstracted boxing belt that reflects the collection's themes. |
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The knitwear in deep purples and ochres depicts a bird in a striking pattern. |
Along with his fashion collections, Vibskov has also exhibited at the Hyeres Festival as well as at Galeries de Galeries, Saint Etienne Biennale, Maison du Danemark and Palais de Tokyo. Multi-talented,Vibskov is also a musician, and has played a number of concerts including with electronic artist, Trentemøller, on stage at the Bataclan Theatre in Paris. Other work encompasses designing costumes for Alexander Ekman’s Swanlake shown at Le Théâtre des Champs-Elysées.
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Friday, 23 June 2023
Tradition and Modernity in Homme Plisse Issey Miyake's Spring/Summer 2024 Collection
The new Homme Plisse Issey Miyake collection. showcases the Japanese brand's commitment to innovative design and impeccable craftsmanship. With its fresh color palette, imaginative silhouettes, and intricate pleating techniques, the Spring/Summer 2024 range, presented at Paris Men's Fashion Week, is a testament to a successful fusion of tradition and modernity, writes Antonio Visconti. Photographs by Elli Ioannou
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The new garments in the SS24 collection float above the runway, as the rest are unfurled below from pleated paper. |
Under the soaring, arcaded ceiling, Issey Miyake latest Homme Plisse men's collection was presented, captivating the audience with its innovative approach to design.
Called Everyday, One of a Kind, Now and Hereafter, the collection expresses Issey Miyake's originality, drawing inspiration from the art of pleating that has become synonymous with the label. The collection has an array of fresh and simple silhouettes, infused with a vibrant color palette. Embodying Issey Miyake's philosophy, with its combination of purity and technology, the new designs are well suited for quotidian life.
The Spring/Summer 2024 Paris show began with a dramatic spectacle: a giant roll of pleated paper cascaded down the museum gallery, unravelling to reveal meticulously wrapped garments. Accompanying this rather mesmerizing display, the design team emerged onto the catwalk, dressing the models in these carefully crafted pieces. By integrating elements of the pleating process into the scenography, the performance showcased the potential of this technology.
The new collection expresses Issey Miyake's originality, drawing inspiration from the art of pleating that has become synonymous with the label.
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The brilliantly-hued finale of the show, evoking the bright prints of the Picturesque series. |
The Rectangle series draws its name from the construction of the fabric when it is stretched out. However, when worn, it transforms into an asymmetrical silhouette, with the edges gracefully cascading along the contours of the body.
The Picturesque range introduces a series of prints depicting naturalistic landscapes such as mountains, wind, and earth. Presented in simple triangular and round shapes, these prints are layered with translucent paints to accentuate the depth and boldness of the colors (see above). This interpretation of nature breathes life into the collection, embodying the spirit of artistic expression.
The Horizon Pleats demonstrates a breakthrough in the brand's pleating technique. By altering the direction of folds, the garments achieve horizontal pleats, infusing the silhouettes with a sense of movement and lightness. Years of experimentation have made this seemingly simple innovation possible, demonstrating the brand's commitment to pushing boundaries and evolving their technology.![]() |
One of the standouts of the collections is the Wing Coat with its graceful lines and voluminous silhouette. |
Crafted from a lightweight stretch fabric with a natural texture, these pieces exude an airy and comfortable fit, embodying Issey Miyake's commitment to merging form and function.
The "PL Ramie Shirt" series showcases a design reminiscent of a hood, with added layering at the shoulders. The smooth texture of the fabric enhances the draping effect, resulting in a luxurious feel. Available in three models and varying lengths, these shirts offer versatility for different occasions.
The Edge Ensemble and Edge Light Coat feature a wide accordion pleat that defines its aesthetic. Made from recycled polyester with a subtle sheen and material texture, that lends
an ethereal touch to formal attire. Meanwhile, the coat is available in
two new models: a trench coat and a hoodie jacket, providing contemporary and
stylish options for outerwear enthusiasts.
Drawing inspiration from the wings of airplanes and birds, the Wing Coat offers a visually captivating interpretation of flight
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The Edge Coat features a wide accordion pleat in recylcled polyester. |
The Homme Plisse Issey Miyake collection epitomizes the storied Japanese fashion house's dedication to innovation, craftsmanship, and everyday functionality.
By delving into the art of pleating and integrating it with cutting-edge design, this collection marks a significant milestone in the label's journey.
With its vivid color palette, innovative shapes and thoughtful details, the collection invites wearers to embrace their individuality and embark on a sartorial journey that combines tradition and technology.
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Tuesday, 20 June 2023
Beyoncé's Heliosphere Gown Shines on the Renaissance World Tour
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Beyonce on stage in Amsterdam wearing Iris van Herpen's Heliosphere gown. Photograph: Andrew White |
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The singer has championed designers. from every country where she has performed. Photograph: Andrew White |
"In her epic Renaissance tour, Beyoncé embodies feminine empowerment. She emphasizes that confidence radiates from within, and that beauty thrives in diversity. Her style is a kaleidoscope of elegance that inspired me and my team in every stitch, every bead, and every petal - along the 700-hour journey of creating her halo-shaped gown."
Designed by futuristic Dutch couturier Iris van Herpen, this gown captivated the audience and was a symbol of a powerful woman.
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Iris van Herpen's design for the gown. |
A total of 980 shapes, resembling celestial arcs, were carefully 3D constructed by casting silver-marbled silicone into mirrored laser-cut outlines.
These molds were then formed, laying the foundation for the gown's otherworldly charm.
Each shape was individually stitched onto nude tulle, creating a delicate interplay of transparency and opulence.
The gown's embellishment was further enhanced by the sparkling Swarovski crystals, interspersed between the shapes.
The most dramatic aspect of the Heliosphere gown was 'halo', a feat of both engineering and artistic vision. Shaped with a hot-air gun, using a transparent material, an almost invisible, floating structure looked like a crown of light around Beyoncé'.
To bring the Heliosphere gown to life, a process combining innovative techniques and fine craftsmanship was employed
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Beyonce backstage at her concert in Amsterdam wearing the gown. Photograph: Andrew White |
Twelve of Iris Van Herpen's team at her atelier poured their passion and expertise into the piece along with 700 hours of work. The attention to detail and creativity makes the gown more a work of wearable art than fashion.
Van Herpen designed the Heliosphere gown to be a harmonious fusion of innovation and craftsmanship. While it not only celebrates the remarkable talent of Beyoncé it exemplifies the power of fashion to convey messages beyond the quotidian. As the singer graced the stage, this diaphanous creation, was an atmospheric addition to the soaring musicality that kept the audience enraptured during the show.
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Friday, 9 June 2023
Sustainable Fashion Takes Centre Stage at Chloé
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Gabriela Hearst melds classic design with concern for the planet creating her new collection. Cover picture by Elli Ioannou for DAM MODA. |
Chloé's Creative Director, Gabriela Hearst, understands the power of pieces that are crafted to last and with her latest Spring 2024 collection, she celebrates sustainability in the fashion industry, craftsmanship, and a commitment to leaving a positive impact on the planet, reports Antonio Visconti
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Hearst creates stylish and elegant collections while being aware of how they affect the environment. |
Hearst emphasizes that "reducing the Maison's carbon footprint and prioritizing materials that enable this are of the highest priority, without compromising on design and desirability."
"In the ever-rapidly moving world, I find solace in timeless design – pieces that are long-lasting in their execution and made to be atemporal with the hope of being passed down from one generation to the next," Hearst says. Her vision is clear: to create garments that not only captivate with their beauty but also embody a commitment to environmental responsibility.
Taking a closer look at the collection, there is a tapestry of eco-conscious choices and exquisite craftsmanship. For instance, one look features denim trousers made almost entirely from upcycled cotton, a shirt cut from deadstock cotton, and sunglasses crafted from recycled acetate.
It's a testament to the power of putting the environment first without sacrificing beauty or elegance. Hearst remarks: "When I see look six, for instance, it gives me great pleasure to know that the decision to put the environment first didn't affect the beauty of the design but empowered it."
The collection delves into the natural world, expressing both its resilience and vulnerability through design choices. A turtleneck sweater in recycled cashmere combines with jeans made from recycled cotton and hemp denim, developed exclusively with Adriano Goldschmied. The incorporation of botanical motif guipure lace inserts in a lower-impact wool rib knit further accentuates the connection to nature.
Gabriela Hearst aims to create garments that not only captivate with their beauty but also embody a commitment to environmental responsibility.
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All rugged up in shearling, denim and suede. |
A light indigo jacket with a shearling collar and matching flared trousers may seem like denim or corduroy at first glance, but they are actually soft suede.
A lace crew-neck sweater and skirt, too, deceive the eye, revealing a technical knit of contrasting matte cashmere and lustrous silk, adding depth and a feminine fluidity to the designs.
Chloé explores classic garments and heritage textiles, infusing them with a modern touch. The Maison introduces a bespoke cotton-wool tweed with multicolor mouliné threads, used for a trench coat and new renditions of the Penelope shoulder bag.
A bow motif adorns bags, jewellery, shoes, and dresses. The marriage of jewellery-inspired embellishments with ready-to-wear techniques results in innovative designs, such as chains whip-stitched onto the lapels of jackets and overcoats or transformed into buttons on a cape coat.
Gabriela Hearst's interest in fashion history is evident in her exploration of the Chloé Archive. Inspired by the work of Karl Lagerfeld, who spent 25 years designing for the Maison, she distilled his vision into 28 looks for the Met Costume Institute exhibition 'Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty.'
"I find solace in timeless design ~ pieces that are long-lasting and made to be atemporal with the hope of being passed down from one generation to the next."
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Fluid femininity created with wool knit and a botancial guipure lace insert, |
The Spring 2024 festive capsule draws inspiration from Lagerfeld's iconic designs, featuring wool crepe coats, dresses, bags, jewellery, and footwear adorned with arrow-shaped crystal embellishments.
Chloé's commitment to sustainability goes beyond the runway. The Maison incorporates eco-friendly materials into its products, such as recycled cotton, linen, acetate, and bio-based nylon.
The Marcie bag, Penelope bag, Nama sneaker, and eyewear ranges all showcase the brand's dedication to a more conscious and responsible approach to fashion.
As the world of fashion continues to evolve, Chloé stands as an example of how good design and sustainability can coexist harmoniously.
Scroll down to see more highlights from Gabriela Hearst's Spring 2024 Collection
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