Eccentric Haute Couture
Earlier this month, international brand, Balenciaga presented their 51st Couture Collection by Demma. The collection featured over fifty- one of a kind ensemble that has left the public with mixed reactions.
Featuring scuba body suits with gloves in black Japanese neoprene, face shields, speaker bags, and space shoes in glossy rubber, and latex socks, some were even compelled to wonder if this is what the future holds when it comes to fashion. Other pieces in the collection included single breasted scuba jacket with gloves, scuba tops and scuba five pocket leggings, and silver crystal net embroidered dress over gloved bodysuit with space pumps.
But there is nothing to worry about, says international designer, David Tlale. Tlale was recently in the country for the inaugural Gabs
July fashion show. Speaking during a press briefing, he explained that couture is all about art.
He also shared that in most cases, it is not even about functionality. “You remember when Lady Gaga wore the meat dress,” he explains that there was a whole buzz around the dress. He also said that with designers like French Designer, Jean Paul Gaultier, some of the creations are not even wearable.
Gaultier is famous for what has been termed as unusual looks for fashion lovers.
“They use Haute Couture to express the artistry of the brand,” he explained. Carefully going through the collection by Balenciaga, you get a sense that this is something that the Creative Head Honcho had taken time to conceptualise and bring to life. But even with the initial shock at some of the creations, there are some pieces that are wearable. Take for example the black and silver Tweed trompe embroidered mini dress in viscose, the navy Tweed trompe Lóeil embroidered mini dress in viscose jersey to mention a few. And then you have the over the top outfits that just leaves one open mouthed. Take for example, the Crinkled T- shirt in red and pink aluminium jersey and upcycled cut- up jeans in light blue denim, which appears unfinished and could go back into the workshop to be completed. There is also the crinkled T- shirt in Black Aluminium jersey and upcycled black leather wallet pants, which are also not for everyone. For showstoppers, Supermodel Naomi Campbell wore a dress that appeared like it took a lot of hands to assist to put on.
Cat walking down the ramp, this innovative creation is absolutely a one of a kind. The queen of the ramp was wearing an incognito ball gown in black shiny silk taffeta and body top with gloves in black velvet. It is safe to say that with this one, it might possibly be incognito, as the neck of the gown might possibly obstruct one, or hide them from the prying eyes of the public. Haute Couture is described ‘ as the creation of impeccable, custom fitted high end fashion design that is today partially constructed by hand and often utilizes other handmade, one of a- kind - embellishments, notions and trimmings.
Ordinarily, haute couture for some might not make sense, or might seem like its overly rated. In 2010, Lady Gaga attended the MTV Video Music Awards in nothing but a dress made from raw beef, dubbed the Meat Dress. The look was completed with a Meat bag.