Paris Autumn/Winter '08

Viktor and Rolf, Autumn/Winter 2008 (scroll down to read more)
Viktor and Rolf
Dutch duo Viktor Horsting and Rolf Snoeren opened their show with a grey flannel trench coat with the word NO jumping out of the coat, cartoon-like in 3-D. The slogan also appeared on T-shirts, on belt buckles and even roughly shorn into a fox coat. What were they saying no to? For one, no to sewing. Instead they 'spontaneously stapled with a lot of aggression' random volumes together, creating shapes as they went, often combining fabrics, so a jersey sweater had satin sleeves stapled on or a blouse had a contrast ruffle stapled asymmetrically down the front. The staples themselves were heavy and golden and resembled an 'edgy glamorous embroidery'. According to the pair, they were also saying no to fashion: 'we love fashion but sometimes find it goes a little too fast'. Yes instead to 'authentic women', not those who are just pleasing others.