Mood board: The show – named ‘Orlando' – was the second part of a three act project by the brand. The final stage will culminate in a series of costumes designed for the Vienna State Opera’s world premier of Orlando, composed by Olga Neuwirth. It is a version of Virginia Woolf’s gender defying 1928 novel which sees a poet travel through 300 years of history, starting as a nobleman under Elizabeth I’s reign, changing sex from male to female along the way. ‘My love of clothes interests me profoundly,' Woolf wrote in her diary in 1925. Rei Kawakubo’s interest spanned the Elizabethan era, 18th century, the modern age and the future, and her collection featured a series of bulbous, brocade heavy constructions, uncharacteristically adorned with 3D florals, flounces of tulle and macramé, or sporting protective padding, the Comme des Garçons and resplendent fringing.
Best in show: Of the more Elizabethan silhouettes, a bubble like pannier skirt was formed from a glittering bright blue and fuchsia jacquard paneled with a patchwork of golden squares. More futuristic was a sporty pair of leggings with bulging knee pads, paired with a tailored jacket and a rose red opera coat, embellished with frothy flounces of tulle resembling silk. This was escapist liberation of time through clothing.
Finishing touches: Models sported pretty patchwork ankle boots or delicate ballet flats with socks which tied up the leg like tiny gaiters.
Comme des Garçons S/S 2020.
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A first look inside the new Oxford Street Ikea. Spoiler: blue bags and meatballs are includedThe new Oxford Street Ikea opens tomorrow (1 May), giving Londoners access to the Swedish furniture brand right in the heart of the city
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For the 2025 Eurovision theme art, Swiss design principles get a glow-upLondon-based branding agency NOT Wieden+Kennedy marries graphic design history and exuberance in its theme art for this year's song contest
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Ten low-pro sneakers that capture footwear’s new streamlined moodSuper-flat soles, narrowed silhouettes: the low-profile sneaker is this season’s defining footwear style. Here, the Wallpaper* style team selects its favourites
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Palace unites with Rapha to celebrate inaugural Tour de France FemmesMarking the first time women will compete in the historic cycling race since the late 1980s, this new collaboration sees Palace Skateboards and Rapha create uniforms for both on and off the bike – including an ‘outlandish’ pair of Crocs
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Paris Fashion Week A/W 2022: Chanel to Miu MiuIn this extended report, Wallpaper* updates you live from Paris Fashion Week A/W 2022 shows, with rolling coverage as runway events unfold
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Scene-stealing runway sets from S/S 2022 womenswear showsFrom giant roulette wheels to Olympic diving boards and multi-city synchronized extravaganzas – our pick of the best fashion show sets from S/S 2022 womenswear
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Louis Vuitton A/W 2020 Paris Fashion Week Women's -
Chanel A/W 2020 Paris Fashion Week Women’s -
Y/Project A/W 2020 Paris Fashion Week Women's -
Sacai A/W 2020 Paris Fashion Week Women's -
Alexander McQueen A/W 2020 Paris Fashion Week Women’s
