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

Overhead

1. Raf Simons Fall/Winter 2001, Prada Fall/Winter 2011 & Raf Simons Spring/Summer 2002
2. Jil Sander Fall/Winter 2011 & Gucci Spring/Summer 1995
3. Raf Simons Spring/Summer 2002
4. Jil Sander Fall/Winter 2011 & Alex Katz The Blue Umbrella
4. Rick Owens Fall/Winter 2005 & Jean Paul Gaultier Spring/Summer 1990

I've kept it to myself for quite a while now, but the psychological pressure got too intense. I cannot deny nor hold it back any longer. The hood is back. Floral paisley for her, apocalyptic protection for him.
/HORST

Steel On Steel II

1. Markus Pritzi for Tush
2. Jake Cooper
3. Josefien Rodermans by Naomi Yang for Vogue Taiwan

It might be time for a return to the piercing. There are several options. Several placement possibilities. Some of them have already existed on myself. Do you think it's time to return to the piercing?
/HORST

The Craft III

1. Balenciaga Fall/Winter 2010
2. Jamie Hawkesworth for Hero Magazine
3. Bernhard Willhelm Spring/Summer 2012
4. Bruno Staub for i-D Magazine
5. Dior Spring/Summer 2001
6. D&G Fall/Winter 2011

From graffiti (part I) to typography (part II) to text collages. The assemblage of the recycled remains of our culture. Fragmented quotes, multiplied deranged messages. Copy and paste till death will tear us apart.
/HORST

The Craft II

1. Maison Martin Margiela
2. Raf Simons
3. Robert Mapplethorpe
4. Comme des Garçons backstage

From graffiti to typography. The writings on the wall. White paint on black cloth. Explicit depictions of the purpose of a garment. Time to say something, time to answer, time to comment.
/HORST

Walking Duvets II

Photos Junya Watanabe, Viktor & Rolf, Suzuki Takayuki & various unknown sources

It has been prognosed almost exactly two years ago. We desire their existence. Transforming our favourite nighttime place into our favourite daytime garment. They will return.
/HORST

Non-Emasculation

When the essence of Kim Kardashian and Nicole Scherzinger is injected into male genes, sexual characteristics become manifest. As a result, the intermediate state of being is replaced by exaggerated virility.

/HORST

Urban Traumata

Photos Unknown



Why do people fear the city and dress in utility wear once they leave their house? Are they expecting sudden earthquakes or sand storms? Or is it a mental phenomenon of a generation threatened by the turn of the 20th century? Sadly, they don't compensate their desire for protection as pictured above.

/HORST

Mutant Engineering III

Photos Unknown



After we've survived the nuclear apocalypse, we will only wear plastic raincoats to repel the sour rain. Blue powder will protect our pale skin from exfoliation. Maybe that's the truth.

/HORST

Polyvinyl Chloride

1. Raf Simons Fall/Winter 2011
2. James Long Fall/Winter 2011

As our short history of the plastic raincoat in popular culture evolves into a comprehensive saga, its index demands another chapter. Working title: Polyvinyl and polymer in contemporary fashion.
/HORST

Perforations

1. Unknown
2. Jürgen Teller for Vivienne Westwood

Men have recently become skin-revealing sex objects. Chest, shoulders, biceps. Tight layers. Strategically placed cutouts. Sheer fabrics, short hems. No complaints made. Or are there any reservations?
/HORST

Slit II

1. Karim Sadli
2. Dior Homme Spring/Summer 2011 Backstage

It has only been lately that I've realized the beauty of a male torso's side. A view that is rarely being shared or descried. Therefore, I kindly solicit its more frequent appearance.
/HORST

Body Modification

1. Hedi Slimane Diary
2. Unknown
3. Death Becomes Her

By the way: What happened to implants? A topic that dominated my late teenage talkshow afternoons. The mainstream has mutated its principle into contraception. But what is its current status in subculture?
/HORST

Helmut Was Here

Strait jackets and tongue piercings. Lace front pants and leather gloves. The inventory of a decade that lasts longer than just ten years. Once again recalling the legacy of a master who has found his retreat on a chicken farm.
/HORST