Someone turned off gravity for the Viktor & Rolf runway show at Paris Fashion Week. On January 25, the fashion house presented its spring 2023 couture collection, description is “a parade of dreamlike but surrealist constructions.” The line is called “The Waltz of Late Capitalism”, featuring voluminous gowns and dramatic evening gowns that are turned upside down and inside out.
A model, wearing a flowing ponytail, walked the runway for a corset structure attached with a cream-and-honey-colored cape that hangs across the bodice. The special design creates the illusion that the dress is defying gravity.
The rest of the collection is equally enchanting. A model strode through the amazed audience with her figure seeping through a lavender evening gown. At first glance, it looks like the dress has been digitally rotated away from her body by 90 degrees. The final visual effect is a collage-like copy-paste moment coming to life. Another model bravely took to the stage in a completely upside down outfit. The Cinderella blue dress covered her face as she walked.
The abstract sense of surrealism from the show combined couture with Pioneers. The collection’s extras are just as exotic: a silver corset that sparkles over a tiered skirt, a watercolor evening gown and a skirt that seems to walk with the wearer, taking on a life of its own. .
Do shoppers have to step out with tulle on their faces and corsets around the knees? Probably not, but optical illusion dresses will always be on our minds as we look back on this season. For now, enjoy the sensational Viktor & Rolf runway show at home.
