80s Couture Modernized: Dries Van Noten Spring 2020

by Shreya S

So, Dries Van Noten and Christian Lacroix collaborated this Spring Summer 2020 to create one of the most wonderful, creative and magical collections. This surprise collection was everything, I was watching it on youtube and just as I started watching I noticed there was something different, it was just so magical and somehow poetic. When I saw Christian Lacroix at the end of the show I almost died. Later I read that they kept roses on the chairs with a tag that read DVN*XCLX.

The collaboration between Dries van Noten and Christian Lacroix is something I never imagined, It is fascinating how two such different styles blended so seamlessly. Each look was so thought of and put together wonderfully. For me, this collection is a benchmark in fashion. There is a collection which you like, really like and sometimes love but this was just so so so wonderful. Lacroix’s work has been a major influence on me and my love for fashion but seeing this collection that was so relatable, wearable and just real, is just truly marvelous.

Christian Lacroix creates art. And this was basically art that you can wear. I get that most of his collections aren’t exactly something you would wear but trust me if I could I would buy the entire collection, Lacroix’s work has been a dream to me, I first heard of him the Sex and the City movie when Carrie is trying on wedding dresses( btw this scene deserves an article of its own) and immediately fell in love with his work. Like if you are gonna be extra, go the Christian Lacroix way.

“I was constantly drawn to the 80s and 90s, to a love of dressing up, to couture, to beauty, to audacity – to joy. I quickly realized that all roads seemed to lead to the work and world – of Mr. Christian Lacroix. So I thought why not just phone him, why not phone Christian and ask if he would be up for the challenge and enjoy working with me on a collection. I was so happy when he immediately said yes.” Van Noten said this in an interview and we could not agree more. We thank the two legends for giving us this magic of a collection.

Each look was so wonderfully crafted, It had elements from both the designer. Like how the grey sweatshirt was paired with the poofy bright pink pants, that was just iconic. The use of colors was very pleasing and how they paired the huge polka-dotted skirt with a bright floral top/cape kinda thing was oh so good. The collection had chunky platform boots for most of the looks, they were in gold, animal print, many matching with the brocade material used in the clothing and other same prints, that set the tone quite right and gave the show consistency. And a special mention to the bright thread fringes that the models were wearing those were so true to the collection, truly loved that. The makeup was simple with the occasional gold lip and piercings around the lips and eyes. And the finale look was genius . It was a white feathered sheer cape worn over a white tank top and pants, topped off with a feathered headpiece. It was such a statement.

“The world needs some excitement from fashion.” Christian Lacroix said this and there is nothing truer.