Rick Owens Spring 2016: The Weight of Womanhood

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by brownfashionagal

In the brutalist halls of Paris’s Palais de Tokyo, Owens staged a spectacle where gymnasts carried each other down the runway. Some hung upside down, others were cradled or strapped on like backpacks. This wasn’t mere theatrics; it was a poignant metaphor for the unseen labor women often perform—physically, emotionally, and socially. Owens described it as a tribute to “nourishment, sisterhood, motherhood, and regeneration.” Through these physical gestures, he explored the weight women bear and their incredible resilience.

The clothing mirrored this theme. Owens played with exaggerated silhouettes—think voluminous shoulders, flowing organza, and protrusions crafted from metallic leather. These weren’t just bold fashion statements; they symbolized transformation and adaptability. A bomber jacket melting into a cascade of fabric or harness-integrated jackets spoke to the interplay of structure and freedom. Each piece told a story of strength with unsettling elegance, a balance Owens masters so well.

Eska’s haunting live performance of Exodus amplified the show’s emotional weight. The models moved with purpose, some donning accessible designs like crinkled anoraks, while others showcased more sculptural pieces. Yet, even in their simplicity, the garments carried a profound message: every woman carries her own unique strength.

Owens has never shied away from controversy or bold expressions, yet his work remains deeply human. His designs speak to the layers of identity, the complexity of relationships, and the beauty of imperfection. By strapping women to one another, he reminded us of the bonds that sustain us and the strength found in vulnerability.

Rick Owens doesn’t just create clothes; His collections challenge us to see fashion as more than an aesthetic pursuit. They invite us to ponder our relationships—with ourselves, each other, and the world. Through his lens, strength becomes universal, and beauty, a celebration of the human spirit.