Straps & Strings VII

Harness Helmut Lang Spring/Summer 2003

Promises cannot wait, and indications are meant to be fullfilled. In realistic complentations and beautifying self-reflection. That's the purpose of photo booth, and the core motivation for stripping down in straps.
/HORST

Straps & Strings VI

1. Prada Fall/Winter 2008
2. Unknown

Looking forward, looking back. And who are we meeting again in search of unconquered fashion territory and implications of the men's bra? Miucci Prada. She knew it, she has done it before. We'll do it, too.
/HORST

Straps & Strings V

Damir Doma Spring/Summer 2012

Developing the strapped harness further, Damir Doma proposed a first step towards an embrace of the men's bra - indeed, in manifold variations. Thus, soon, men will be emancipated.
/HORST

Straps & Strings IV

1. Lonely Hearts Lookbook
2. Unknown

Not being able to wear a bra and reveal its construction may be a temporarily hurtful deficit for the male human - as long as its principle will not establish itself in latter's wardrobe.
/HORST

Straps & Strings III

‘A Young Man of Extraordinary Personal Beauty’ by Willy Vanderperre for Arena Homme+

While it remains a purely functional means to some of us, the strapped continuously evokes desires for more of less to others. Contemporary fantasies of exhibitionist might include the strapped neck halter coat.
/HORST

Straps & Strings II

1. 'Heat Wave' by Gregory Harris for Intermission Spring/Summer 2011
2. Unknown

Assuming that the best part about dressing is leaving parts undressed, or implying the idea of already being undressing again, the strapped-on garment inherits complex values of attraction.
/HORST

Straps & Strings

1. Unknown
2. 'Paris Playground' by Steeve Beckouet

This is a prequel. A retrospective series of contemporary strapping. The German word 'Strapse' might be worth being looked up and explored in depth. In the meanwhile, we are tie-lacing the torso in a non-sexual manner with sexual connotations.
/HORST

Gaultier Questions III

1. Jean-Paul Gaultier Spring/Summer 1993
2. Ann Demeulemeester Spring/Summer 2011

Jean-Paul and Ann. Neither one, nor another. Coincidentally tied together. On their very own, both results explore the concept of revelation. Who has superiorly mastered the principle?
/HORST

Surreptitiousness

Ann-Sofie Back Atelje Spring/Summer 2012

And again, she defines fashion. Probably the most underrated designer of our times, every detail is exactly what it is meant to be. Every element, every shape. The ultimate balance of neglect and restraint.
/HORST

Wannabe

Prada Fall/Winter 1992

There was a time when even Miuccia proclaimed bimbo style. And as I've bemoaned the disappearance of Barbie Fashion, this is the last call for a better world. Self-absorbed, materialistic and pretty pretty.
/HORST

Performance Art

Fencing waistcoat Ann Demeuelemeester

A theoretical construct is brought into theatrical performance. The body in its centre, the garment as the opponent, a dramatic antagonist. Eventually, they find together. I'd like to call this play The Antwerp Collection.
/HORST

The Farhi Simons Scandal

Nicole Farhi Spring/Summer 2012 vs. Raf Simons Spring/Summer 2011 & 2008

As the previous Farhi scandals have been quite easy to grasp, this one takes on complexity and merges various Raf Simons collections. Mere copy or honest tribute? Who will be throwing the first stone?
/HORST

See also The Farhi Sander Scandal and The Burberry Prada Scandal