Viktor and Rolf's Fashion Statement

All eyes have been on Paris these past few weeks as brands display their finest pieces during the Paris Fashion Week shows. We have seen the hint of new trends, creative haute couture collections, and, most importantly, statements being made by elite designers. Among them are Viktor and Rolf’s creative directors, Viktor Horsting and Rolf Snoeren.

Below are some of the creative images Horsting and Snoeren included in their Spring 2023 Haute Couture collection last week at Paris Fashion Week. Each look is intriguing, humorous, and, most importantly, thought-provoking.

Viktor Horsting and Rolf Snoeren utilized their platform to criticize the fashion boundaries and expectations women are held to. The use of traditional garments is intended to make their provocation clear: society’s expectation for how women dress has nothing to do with class and everything to do with the sexist standards established in the 19th century. So, let’s celebrate the abandonment of such standards.

The Viktor and Rolf Haute Couture collection successfully provides entertainment and stimulating conversations. Each dress that was worn incorrectly illustrates the movement away from traditional fashion standards and towards creative freedom.

Societal fashion standards have been one of the clearest ways to observe historical restrictions on women. Don’t think that women have been held to constructive fashion rules? Until January 31st, 2013, it was written into law that women had to ask permission from police officers to wear trousers in public, as it was considered “dressing as a man.” Crazy, right? Dystopian even.

Viktor and Rolf’s show had it right. As women gain societal presence, they gain the confidence to own their bodies as well. Empowering the movement away from restrictive fashion codes is important because it demonstrates the beauty of women owning their bodies.

So, if you ever find a fitting occasion, wear your dress upside down instead!

Xoxo, layne