Viktor & Rolf - Vagabonds

 In college, I’m currently studying a foundation course, studying fashion. On the course, we get given different assignments to complete every four weeks, and right now my project is Deconstruction / Reconstruction recycle garments. With starting a new project, theres always the research that is the first step and whist I’m still doing my research, I came across Viktor & Rolf’s Haute Couture, Autumn / Winter 2016 vagabonds collection. Usually with my artist research, I get inspired by artists work to create design ideas and develop them further into final outcomes, but with Viktor and Ralph’s collection, its another story. It takes me a while to settle with artists who realistically will help me take my work further and not just have artists work for the sake of having artists work, but with Viktor & Rolf, I have fallen in love with their collection and already have a wide range of design ideas which I know will end up becoming my final outcome.

A multitude of past collections, the collection ponders over the past, where elements from past iconic collections are carefully scrutinised before being lovingly reworked into a new order. The past is looked at in a new light and used as a stepping stone for the new, the more durable. As such, recycling is used as a means of expression rather than a goal i itself, reflecting a thoughtful attitude and a focus on conscious designing. Garments are crafted with a primitive approach to design. Ideals of Haute Couture craftsmanship are applied to techniques such as weaving and collage, emphasising an exaggerated deliberately “handmade” aesthetic.

(resource of this paragraph and the images below can be found on their website: http://www.viktor-rolf.com/haute-couture/behind-scenes-vagabonds/ )

The inspiration for their collection is drawn from Dickens’ vagabonds,  for those who belong nowhere, who go wondering from place to place and roam the city. Their collection informs a range that is created using selected fabrics and garments from previous seasons that are thrown together, seemingly mismatched and tattered.
The pieces that I love the most from the collection is the mismatched denim and jackets. The details on the garments may have been mismatched but the contrast of the colours put together, blends so nicely and draws in attention, which appeals to me. I love how the khaki jacket, is covered in white and pink fabric and dark coloured buttons which blends together nicely. The second khaki jacket is my favourite piece from the entire collection because its covered from top to bottom in details, even though the jacket is crowded, it’s put together perfectly and the added denim with different shades is so aesthetically pleasing to look at. I honestly would wear the khaki jacket because it’s so different from what you see in stores these days, its different to what has been sold in stores, the fact its so different from any other collection makes the collection more pure.
I’m honestly happy with my current project as it brought me to find this collection, which can inspire me to create something of my own and I have another brand to keep a close eye on during fashion week!
If my final outcome is inspired by this collection (which is highly more than likely) I will create a photo-shoot with the garment in and post it on my blog in the upcoming weeks for you all to see.

Top left - Favourite piece from collection. Bottom left second image - details on the garments
Credit for the images: http://www.viktor-rolf.com/haute-couture/vagabonds/
Header image credit: http://www.kvdl.info/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Unbenannt-1.jpg