Viktor & Rolf Spring 2014 Couture

I used to take ballet lessons when I was younger.  I loved (and still love) dancing (at one point in my childhood, I wanted to be a ballet teacher), but I never quite had the discipline, flexibility or physical strength to be an outstanding ballerina.  I quit right before pointe; however, that didn't prevent me from appreciating the incredible amount of physical stamina ballerinas require.  Ballerinas are powerhouses - they need to be constantly aware of every muscle, every joint, every movement, while making it appear as if they gracefully aren't aware at all.

This elegant form of power is evident in Viktor & Rolf's Spring 2014 Couture presentation. The tense leg muscles of the passing ballerinas (who shuffled across the entire runway on their toes) was contrasted against the fluid, latex leotards that practically blended into the skin. There was a serene beauty in the bare purity of the clothing, but truthfully, the dresses paled against the dancers' presence.  When the ballerinas took long strides en pointe, it was the most graceful runway walk I have ever seen.  After all, is en pointe not the ultimate high heel?

A silencing, almost haunting, show that was only broken at the end by the gaudy promotion of the label's latest fragrance, Bonbon.  A cheeky maneuver, surely, but one that ruined what promised to be a good show.

Watch the entire show here.

Image Source: Style.com

Viktor & Rolf Spring/Summer 2013 RTW

I haven't even looked at Fall 2013 Couture yet, but bear with me as I rewind to take a look at a Spring/Summer 2013 RTW collection I can't believe I missed during my Spring/Summer 2013 RTW roundup.  Catching up on fashion magazines this summer, I came across a fabulous pantsuit that had me marveling over the brilliant construction of the pant leg.  Looking at the clothing credits, I learned that Viktor & Rolf was the designer.  Days later, while flipping through a different magazine, I came across another gorgeous pantsuit, and lo and behold, the credits confirmed that Viktor & Rolf were the ones to thank.  It was at that moment I realized I had missed out on a great collection.

I used to always follow the Viktor & Rolf duo because they consistently deliver a good show.  But when school and life get in the way, something has to go into the back burner.  Luckily, I reached past the flames of ignorance just in time to witness Viktor & Rolf's outstanding S/S'13 collection.  Right off the bat, the show started with floor-length gowns.  Accordion pleats were the first focus of the show, done in lamé as mesmerizing as molten silver.

Progressing, the pleats liquified into smooth draping, resulting in those oh-so-gorgeous pantsuits I first raved over.  The colour palette softened to a pure white, with shaved tulle similar to that of Spring/Summer 2010 RTW adding texture.

Then, infusion of colour came in the form of lavender, muted taro, and a quick burst of salmon.  Bow-ties attached to the front of slouchy trousers would almost have been unflattering if it were not for the fact they added that essential Viktor & Rolf personality.  Otherwise, the draping here is so light, so strategic, and so phenomenal that I couldn't help but utter "my goodness" every couple of seconds as I rode a wave of enchantment.

Finally, as the show came to an end, the final hurrah was done in a palette of black with silver and bronze metallic.  The excess sheen reminded me of the '80s TV show Dynasty, but with a much more sophisticated demeanor.

I've said before that Viktor & Rolf always gives a good show, and although they hardly disappointed this season, they went about giving a good show in a different way.  Instead of the exaggerated fashion verging on the unwearable (or as critics would say, completely unwearable), this was likely the most ready-to-wear collection I have ever seen the duo put together.  Although not shown in the photos here, luxurious goddess draping, over-the-top tulle and reflective plexiglass rose appliqués were contrasted against regular items such as varsity jackets, leather motorcycle vests, and tuxedo blazers.  Yet as normal as this collection almost is, the mishmash makes it odd enough to be runway perfection.  You can be sure these gowns aren't the only things that are shining; Viktor & Rolf seem to have an even brighter future ahead of them.

Watch the full show here.

Image Source: Style.com

Kiss Me

If you've been following my blog for a while now, you've probably noticed that I don't talk much - actually, at all - about celebrity style.  But there are, at times, fantastic fashion moments in the entertainment industry that are worth a mention (like when Lady Gaga wore Alexander McQueen in her Bad Romance music video).  However, the focus isn't on Lady Gaga this time; turn your eyes over to Katy Perry.  It seems Katy Perry is quite a fan of the duo behind Viktor & Rolf, as was seen during the MTV Europe Music Awards, when she wore one of their interestingly cut chiffon gowns from Spring 2009:

More recently, Katy Perry has turned to Viktor & Rolf once more for her fashion statements.  After having seen her E.T. music video several times, it finally dawned on me that one of the dresses she wears in the video is from Viktor & Rolf Spring 2011:

I remember writing in my review of the collection that, as Bryan Boy said, this dress would be perfect as Lady Gaga's wedding dress.  I can just imagine Lady Gaga getting married in this dress with Katy Perry belting out "Kiss me, ki-ki-kiss me" in the background.  What a moment that would be.

Image Source: Awards, ET, V&R

Viktor & Rolf Fall/Winter 2011 RTW

You can always count on Viktor & Rolf to wow you with their creativity. Last season it was menswear done the unconventional way, and for Fall/Winter 2012, it's all about war.  Not modern war mind you, we're talking Medieval battle.  As a drawbridge came down at the entrance of the runway, the first model walked out in a structured, armor-like jacket with her face painted blood red.

The show started with black outfits and strict frills that emphasized the shoulder area.  To keep the looks from being too stiff, movement was created near the legs with swishing long coats.

Then it was a transition into several white looks that mirrored those of the black:

As the rigid silhouette of the first batch of looks broke away, there were clingy belted dresses in black and red, resembling a patriotic waving of flags.

With that, the knight began to emerge once more, but slowly, beginning with slightly masculine black pieces:

There was a period of bringing out black outfits which were immediately recreated in white, a technique seen in Alexis Mabille's Spring 2011 couture show.  But this is not necessarily a technique that involves much creativity, and luckily, this alternating black and white did not last long.  As the knight continued to suit up for battle, tight ruffles began showing up as detailing:

And finally the knight was prepared to defend in cold metallic "metal", and tailoring as sharp as a sword's edge.

Call Viktor & Rolf unwearable all you want, but you can't deny that those two sure know how to give a good show.

Watch the entire show here.

Image Source: Style.com

Viktor & Rolf Spring/Summer 2011 RTW

We've been seeing a lot of menswear inspired clothing these past few seasons, but we've never seen anything like what Viktor & Rolf gave us for Spring/Summer 2011.  This was menswear taken literally and artistically to the max. 

The main focus of the show was to take basic menswear and turn it into something undeniably feminine and sexy.  Shirt cuffs were enlarged to adorn whimsically coloured shirt-dresses, and basic button-down shirts were elongated.

Then came what I saw as a strange cat-fight between menswear and womenswear.  Sometimes, an outfit was feminine, but if you looked closer, it seemed more masculine, and vice versa...it's difficult to explain.  I call it a cat-fight because the dresses were slashed and divided.

 

For a stunning end to the show, the man's shirt from the beginning was blown up to exaggeratedly large proportions.

Bryan Boy described that last dress as Lady Gaga's wedding dress, and I wouldn't be surprised if she comes out one day wearing it.  Although this collection is far from wearable, I doubt anyone will ever look at menswear the same again.

Watch the entire show here.

Image Source: Style.com