Fashion can be bold, bizarre and anything but ordinary. Many think it's just clothes and shoes but in reality, it is so much more. Sometimes fashion is intended to pay tribute and other times, it's to make a statement; both of which were checked off at designer Schiaparelli's fall/winter 2018 - 2019 showcase.
The event took place at the prestigious Palais Garnier in Paris which was replete with gold gilded columns and artwork emblazoned ceilings. The location was bathed in bright pink light, the signature colour of late founder Elsa Schiparelli. Elsa founded the design house in 1927, which came to be known for their whimsical patterns, surreal style and iconic shocking pink hue.
Helmed by design director Bertrand Guyon, the showcase paid tribute to Elsa and her surreal roots time and again. A generally muted colour palette with occasional deep hues and streamlined fits saw prints of scrawled writing, faces and butterflies. Thanks to their symbolic value in surrealism, butterflies continued to be a running theme throughout.
It was the headpieces created by Stephen Jones that really stole the show. Models donned masks and headgear of a golden winged leopard, dual flamingos, butterflies in neon pink and even a black and white dog which was created in the likeness of Elsa's dog Popcorn. Tell me you didn't do a double take and I'll tell you that's a lie.
It may not be relatable but as long as it strikes a thought, lights a conversation or adds depth in fashion, that's exactly what surreal style is intended for.
