Image courtesy of Lea Colombo

Maison Martin Margiela Artisanal AW14

Last season’s Maison Martin Margiela Couture collection used vintage couture off-cuts, patchworked together to communicate a “collective memory of Haute Couture“, as the show notes read. Stitching together the literal run-offs of luxury culture in a collage of references, colours and concepts, designer Matthieu Blazy brought a sense of surrealism and Japanese-infused fantasy to the runway overnight.
 
Image courtesy of Lea Colombo

Known for being experimental and minimalist, the label’s latest collection is unexpectedly pretty – looking to heart-shaped balloons, sparkly deep-sea creatures (note the giant embellished prawn) and romance for inspiration.

Image courtesy of Lea Colombo

There were 50s-style silk bomber jackets, embroidered in Japanese motifs, black lace, coloured fur throws, 18th century-inspired evening dresses decorated with the work of Van Gogh and of course, plenty of face-covering bejewelled masks. There was also another surplus off-cut that pointed to expired excess – old Franc coins were sewn over sleeveless dresses and skirts.

more. www.maisonmartinmargiela.com