French designer Marine Serre presented her Fall/Winter 2022 ready-to-wear collection in a way very much in sync with what the brand stands for; a transgressive aesthetic, transparency in the creative processes, and loyalty and appreciation of craftsmanship. Differing from the traditional catwalks of less than half an hour, Serre raised a whole two-day event, in what resembled more an art exhibition than a fashion event, where taking advantage of the large facilities of Lafayette Anticipation’s venue, she narrated and depicted several aspects of her brand that she considers vital in her creative work.
The work of her colleagues at the ateliers, the attention in the selection of fabrics and materials, and even her appreciation towards the customers, with a space in which attendees could customize their garments by printing the already iconic moon logo, all of this and more could be found on Hard Drive, Serre’s collection for Paris Fashion Week. However, the main focus of this exhibition was the runway, in which we could see a reunion of looks with the distinctive essence that can only be found in Marine Serre, largely thanks to her expertise working the upcycling processes and use of recycled fabrics. With a much less post-apocalyptic and dark concept than in other occasions, the use of tartan, quilted fabrics, camouflage motifs, and the inevitable allusions to tattoos in bodysuits and dresses that act as a second skin predominated.
Six works of art corresponding to the reinterpretation of iconic paintings such as The Arnolfini Portrait or The Girl with the Pearl Earring, among others, could be seen on the walls of the venue, and these same works served as a common thread for the collection that walked in front of them. Each group of looks referred to one of these works, each set in a different era and context. This communion of art and fashion was the designer’s way of capturing her soul and a part of her being with which we were not very familiar yet. With each collection, Marine Serre provides more insight into her motivations, worries, and concerns. This may not be one of her most political or vindictive collections (not to mention the minute of silence before the start of the show in solidarity with the Ukrainian people) but it does open a window into her most personal side, taking pride in the DNA she has built with her team for the brand and willing to share her passion for her craft with anyone that wants to listen.
Six works of art corresponding to the reinterpretation of iconic paintings such as The Arnolfini Portrait or The Girl with the Pearl Earring, among others, could be seen on the walls of the venue, and these same works served as a common thread for the collection that walked in front of them. Each group of looks referred to one of these works, each set in a different era and context. This communion of art and fashion was the designer’s way of capturing her soul and a part of her being with which we were not very familiar yet. With each collection, Marine Serre provides more insight into her motivations, worries, and concerns. This may not be one of her most political or vindictive collections (not to mention the minute of silence before the start of the show in solidarity with the Ukrainian people) but it does open a window into her most personal side, taking pride in the DNA she has built with her team for the brand and willing to share her passion for her craft with anyone that wants to listen.
