Sherman Questions III

1. Cindy Sherman Untitled #225, 1990
2. Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2007

One example of incorporating fake body parts and creating a moment of exhibitionist shock. In this regard, Sherman does not only quote the iconic image of Virgin with Child, she also appears close to Jean Paul Gaultier and his skin flashing runway moments. Not rarely quoting symbols of religion and holiness. By offering her right breast and wearing the black lace of a sinful widow, Sherman is bearing the cross.
/HORST

Image credits Cindy Sherman, Catwalking

Ani/Mate III

(Women's edition)



1. Sailor Moon Chibiusa as Black Lady
2. Givenchy Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2011

Completing our recent Manga trilogy. When the idea of Anime mass production/consumption is challenged in haute couture by Riccardo Tisci. And doesn't it feel so current with Steven Meisel taking on twitpic and Nick Knight launching the first instagram shoot?
/HORST

Manatomy

1. João Pimenta Spring/Summer 2012
2. Givenchy Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2011

An earnest option for the biologically male who likes Givenchy Haute Couture. I'm tempted by the idea of incorporating the crystallized organza suit to my daily homewear wardrobe.
/HORST

Via Morphosis and Style.com

Couples II

1. Anthony Vaccarello Spring/Summer 2012
2. Yiqing Yin Spring/Summer 2012

The 'cut and paste' dress. Two versions. One defined by sharp and severe lines, the other recurring in a haphazard gesture. Details that define a woman, pending between perfectionist glamour girl and goth amazon.
/HORST

Image credits Catwalking

Post Paris XIII

A false encyclopaedic guide to the menswear collections, presenting:
Juun J. Fall/Winter 2012

1. Björk Homogenic 1997
2. Eiko Ishioka Faye Dunaway for Parco
3. Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2007

Following the visual path of the cryptic 'ikon', the geometric shape of the triangle reveals itself as a remarkable similarity. Collar, bow and cleavage depict a deep plunging V that recurs in a white shirt, layered underneath the referential print.
/HORST

Happiness Factory

Meadham Kirchhoff Spring/Summer 2012 & Dior Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2010

Everyone smiled. Even Anna Wintour. So there is a rumour: Edward Meadham and Benjamin Kirchhoff will take on Dior. Balloons, candy, roses. Frills, lace, organza. Powder, glitter, rainbows. Thoughts?
/HORST

The Real Housewives Of Haute Couture

Photos Paolo Roversi



Paolo's got a taste for blur. And blur's got a taste for luxury. Dark, soft-focused, in-between worlds. A place for gossip, intrigues and confessions. Where boytoys get dressed in couture gowns.

/HORST

Undoubtedly

Maison Martin Margiela Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2011

Earlier today, the infamous Maison fulfilled a Horst prophecy and presented transparent suits and plastic raincoats. Besides, the post-baroque Hotel Maison Champs Elysées delivered the backdrop for brutalist motorcycle jackets and tape-draped evening dresses.
/HORST

Rear View

1. Gucci campaign Fall/Winter 2001
2. Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2002

A little Gucci x Jean Paul Gaultier moment on a friday night can never do wrong. Back cleavage is regrettably underrated. And has mostly been considered a fashion faux-pas. Which is a faux-pas itself.
/HORST

Polythene Wrap Fight

Maison Martin Margiela Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2011 vs. Bruce LaBruce Hustler White

Many people ask me: Horst, what to wear on Valentine's Day? Well, there surely are plenty of possibilities. But my advice remains simple: Wrap yourself as a gift.
/HORST

Kitten Love XXXII

Top Givenchy Haute Couture by Alexander McQueen Fall/Winter 1997
Bottom Gustav Klimt

They asked me how I knew my true love was true. I of course replied, something here inside cannot be denied. When your heart's on fire, you must realize: Smoke gets in your eyes.
/HORST

Gravure

1. Marios Schwab Spring/Summer 2011
2. Antonio Miro Fall/Winter 2005
3. Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2002

I've always fancied a sheer, tattoo-printed shirt. Most notably due to my restless obsession for tribal. In that sense, I appreciate Marios Schwab's latest homage to biker chic. Don't stop believin'.
/HORST

Neon Letters Fight

Adeline André Fall/Winter 2010 vs. Light writing

The woman who invented the world famous 'three sleeve hole' must be admired for her outré design approach. Continuously challenging and re-forming the term 'wearability'. And again, I am taken by her lightness/light-heartedness.
/HORST

Revision

Valentino Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2010

Just a few hours ago I confessed that I don't have mental access to the concept of Haute Couture. This being said, everything turned around when I saw Valentino. It is nothing but brilliant. And this should be the benchmark for all HC collections.
/HORST

Image credits Catwalking

Princess

Photos Karim Sadli
Styling Robbie Spencer
Model Callum Wilson
Magazine Candy

The transformation has begun. A boy wearing Lacroix Couture. Insanely beautiful.
/HORST

For Paulchen

Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2009

Sometimes one can't resist over the top drama. Severe pieces. Breathing and screaming. It is all about the dress, owning the moment. Nothing else needed.
/HORST

Image credits Catwalking

Hyperbole

Valentino Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2009

The most beautiful Haute Couture collection. Soft, fragile and feminine. Each and every look dark and strong. The superelevation of shape and indicated nudity. Multiplied, highly romantic details that appear tamed, always delicate.
/HORST