Underneath

1. Christina Ledang Spring/Summer 2012
2. Prada Spring/Summer 2007

An illogical summer wardrobe built on the hyper-fitted and air-impermeable. Latex and PVC will reveal our body while hermeneutically isolating it from the outer environment. Time to bring out my vacation anti-wardrobe.
/HORST

Perplexions II

A false encyclopaedic guide to fashion history, presenting:
Jean Paul Gaultier Fall/Winter 1996

1. Janet Jackson Velvet Rope, 1997
2. Pandemonia London Fashion Week, 21th Febuary 2011
3. Stephan Marienfeld Bondage, 2010

Pop, postmodernism and nipple piercings. We could have had it all. Janet in a black latex bodysuit. The mastress, the mistress. Dedicated and devoted to Jean Paul Gaultier.
/HORST

Laced Up III

Dior Fall/Winter 2002 & 2003

If I were a girl. Luckily for you and the rest of the world, I am not. Otherwise I'll throw myself into a pair of black, skin-tight, laced leather pants. But maybe you should?
/HORST

Substance

Balenciaga Fall/Winter 2008

Most probably the best use of latex in fashion. A sexually connotated material that recently found its renaissance in the Spring/Summer 2011 collection of Raf Simons or the designs of Atsuko Kudo.
/HORST

Editor's note For a short history of latex in pop culture, please see Zoo Magazine #32, pages 58-59.

Samples

1. Chris Bakayart
2. Raf Simons
3. Unknown

The non-existent wardrobe. Filled with gradient desire. Fetishized objects that transform from art to garment to uniform. Three short-sleeved T-shirts. Painted, printed, sulphurized.
/HORST

Chemical Romance III

Beyoncé - Green Light 2006



From Eva Hesse to Beyoncé Knowles. Again, latex appears as a catalyst for anti-establishment revolt. Whereas the mutual motif is breaking artistical and social taboos, the ultimate driving force of pop will always remain 'sex sells'.

/HORST

Chemical Romance II

Artworks Eva Hesse



In Eva Hesse's work, the use of 'worthless' materials such as latex, fiberglass and plastic refers to the industrial ruins of a defeated German nation. By reinventing sculpture through aesthetic insubordination, she performs her very own, personal protest.

/HORST

Inner Friction

1. Jeremy Scott Spring/Summer 2011
2. Christina Aguilera Dirrty, 2002

What about chaps? The former horseback riding equipment and subsequently sexualized artefact is living its shadow existence in dark room bars. Unfortunately, it's dark in there.
/HORST

Image credits Sonny Vandevelde

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

Hero Worship

Part 15: TLC





Good fashion. Feel good moments. Three girls in metallic latex jumpsuits. Front-laced waistcoats. Suede fringe mini skirts. In cropped gym tops and wide cargo trousers. Highlights and belly buttons.
/HORST

Hunk Arena

Top Givenchy Spring/Summer 2009
Bottom Unknown

Givenchy, hit me baby one more time. Recalling the wrestling suit. A true slap in the face. The furious but tender kind that feels best. Leaving behind red cheeks and dirty thoughts.
/HORST

Preserved Latex Fight

Raf Simons Spring/Summer 2011 vs. Keith Sonnier

Never getting tired of posting Raf Simons pieces. This time put together with a rather unwearable favourite: Keith Sonnier. Both depicting one common matter. Latex it is. The material I wanna feel on my skin.
/HORST

Veterinary Surgeon

Tillmann Lauterbach Fall/Winter 2011

The one collection that evoked strongest inner excitement. Tailoring with triangular collar detail, latex gloves and shirts with elongated backs. Accompanied by the cracking soundtrack of open fire.
/HORST