Oh and the peacock feathered suit was killer. See it, and our other favorite looks from backstage at the presentation, below.
But the true beauty of punk, or resisting the mainstream, is that interpretations of such are varied. There is no one true archetype or symbol of resistance, but it can instead take many forms. Vaquera’s design partners, Patric DiCaprio and Bryn Taubensee, highlight this duality by contrasting hardcore looks with softer, feminine ensembles incorporating ballet-slipper pink mesh, sequined frocks, and white faux-fur stoles. It’s the stuff of dreams… or nightmares… or both?
Through juxtaposing disruptive leather and tattered denim looks with white nightgowns and debutante skirts and dresses, Vaquera shows that the brand is not at all departing from its subversive roots, but penning yet another chapter of its story with the clothing, as always, taking center stage as the lead star.
Check out photos from the Vaquera FW23 Runway show below.
But, positively, we are seeing this air of exclusivity loosen up, with more and more outliers being granted access to the industry and tastemakers shifting away from homogeneity. AVAVAV’s latest collection is a commentary on this phenomenon, emphasizing the darker underbelly that lies beneath the glitz and glam. “I’ve been asking myself; why is luxury so serious? Is it because we strive to be perfect? Old legacy houses defined luxury as a lifestyle of elegance, high quality, and seriousness. Luxury today is being redefined; to me, it’s more of an attitude. In 2023, luxury can be worn-out sneakers, expensive tracksuits, or upcycled ragged coats,” Karrlson meditates.
Putting her thesis to the test, models strutted down the runway in elevated streetwear items, such as uber-oversized hoodies, printed mini skirts, intricate outerwear, and fantastical accessories — from giant fuzzy boots to AVAVAV’s signature grotesque footwear, of course. As each stepped out from backstage, audiences watched as their ensembles began to literally fall apart. Buttons haphazardly popped off of dresses, heels broke off of boots, and garments were deconstructed with each model’s step — symbolizing the lack of authenticity the industry continues to push forth. By flipping the traditional narrative of what a buttoned-up, flawless fashion week presentation should look like, Karrlson ushers sensitivity and vulnerability into a space where both are not always easy to find.
And just when we thought Karrlson had cemented her point, as the last models sashayed off the runway, the entire backdrop came crashing down onto the stage, as the industry’s insurmountable standards toppled downward with it. See full photos from the collection and runway show below.
"Caviar Kaspia is one of my favourite places to visit in Paris, the restaurant has great finese in the way it unites fine dining with the fashion community," Tajer says. "This collaboration offered us an opportunity to reconnect with old mutual friends too, tapping into our community with great food, and an atmosphere that only our two worlds can manifest."
Casa Kaspia will be available on March 2 on casablancaparis.com and caviarkaspia.com.
