The Fall/ Winter 2012/13 collection of menswear from Belgium fashion designer Walter Van Beirendonck, Lust Never Sleeps, is a bizarre blend of Friday The 13th's Jason, A Clockwork Orange's Droogs and the artwork of Ellsworth Kelly. And like a car wreck, it's virtually impossible to look away. Don't get me wrong, the collection is far from a tragic accident. Impeccably crafted and finely tailored, the bizarre pieces are made with very high quality materials and the overall look is imaginative, if not artful.
above: the invitation to the show
Leather face masks, bowlers, knit caps, fedoras, caps, cowboy hats, hip waders, coveralls, thigh high boots, and gloves are paired with tailored suits, color-blocked sweaters and vests in bright, graphic Pez-colored combinations. Mohair, plaids and other interesting textiles blend into the collection of Pop Art-like suits.
Fetish references punctuated the line of whimsical and macabre menswear, such as whip-like canes, black rubber padlock necklaces or tufted fur fingernails on leather gloves.
But frankly, nothing speaks like pictures.
The designer, Walter Van Beirendonck:
images courtesy of Fashion Mag and WWD
Walter Van Beirendonck