DAY 4 – DRESS CODES – FRI APRIL 29 / 11
“The theme explores work that is influenced by different cultural groups, subcultures, demographics,
politics, religion, sex and gender identities. The night will showcases designers and artists whose
work looks at the social significance of clothing and who we are, defined by what we wear.”
If you've ever wondered where wacky fashion rules come from, you're not alone. The last night of [FAT] is dedicated to dress codes – breaking them like a Hell's Angels' Harley in a china shop, of course!
Miller Monroe’s debut collection, entitled ‘WO*MAN’ is about being a sexy, confident MAN. “We're one of the few cultures where men have not embraced sarongs, skirts, lungi, dhoti, lava lava, hakama or whatever you want to call them – men in other cultures have been able to maintain a connection to this comfortable and fashionable piece for centuries.”
Miller Monroe (Louie Manzo & Baby Steinberg) premiere their Orwellian film, which presents a full frontal attack on boredom, and turns fascist aesthetics on its' head with a flick of the wrist. The manifesto is clear – real men wear whatever the hell they want, and the ladies are more than pleased to see the WO*MAN army take to the runway. The models are bare-chested, sporting skateboards, Chucks, and snug ankle length skirts – the testosterone is palpable and comes off the runway in waves. For those with exceptional confidence, MM offers suits in pinstriped wool – code for "Do not f… with me." Kallvis Gents' also offers skirts for men in aubergine and wolf grey, the collection is restrained and mature, and accessorized with Kyle Osnack's lovely Romanesque gold chains.
The much anticipated House of Gaudet is Shawn Venasse's tragic narrative of silent, bone-crushing bleakness camouflaged by beauty and style. In one astonishing scene the model's naked body is painted in replica of the felted coat she slips on. The film expertly captures the gorgeous textures and colours of Norm and Gio Gaudet's coveted couture.
The evening closes with a spectacle by IMAGOZINE – think Alice in Acidland, mix in the royal wedding, and you've got the picture. Red-coated Beefeaters are flanked by Anubi (the Egyptian god of the afterlife), and royal minions are dressed in Venetian masques. [FAT]'s fashion crime spree closes with men silently wondering if they have the cojones to pull off a skirt, and women fantasizing about slipping into a Gaudet coat, (and men in skirts). I end the night by slipping into a hot bath and dreaming of a fashion revolution.
PS: Billie Mintz has generously offered to share the link to his riveting video of fashion legend Pat McDonagh. https://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fvimeo.com%2F22911629&h=a39e5Pv4CyhhAhdsxb6TnSun_CQ
Photography by Paul Sergent@ digitalfabrik.ca
PEI147TEN 2QU785CLI ZAP369MO DIO54623L CEL159WER MOD4124E
No comments:
Post a Comment