VPlastic and Paris Fashion Week Couture: there have been stranger partnerships, but Melissa Shoes’ collaboration with Viktor&Rolf certainly paired with aplomb. 

With Viktor&Rolf’s collection inspired by childhood memories of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s ‘Little House on the Prairie’ and Denise Holly Hobbie-Ulinskas’ eponymous 1970’s illustration character, Viktor&Rolf took a turn back to the archive for their fabric swatches, lending the collection a looser air: more romantic, more nostalgic.

Teamed with classic Melissa sandals in delicate shades of powder blue, white and pink, and bags imitating woven lace, Viktor&Rolf took a brave partnership and made it feel effortless.

Looking at the collection and discussing their decision to explore the archive, the symbolism of consideration for this season’s design process was at the helm. Historically, the technique of patchwork originated from frugal necessity: old clothes were cut up in patches and sewn back together in decorative patterns, in order to be used again. By reusing their high-end couture fabric samples in this way, Viktor&Rolf create a surreal paradox that underlines the beauty of imperfection. This collection highlights the creative principle of conscious design. Doing more with less; constraints providing a steppingstone for meaningful creation.

Their collaboration with Melissa Shoes further implied the importance of creative partnerships through working together, specialisation, and a relaxed nostalgia that reflected on past skills and how they can be integrated into today’s technological advances.

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With Melissa shoes made from their signature vegan Melflex, and Viktor&Rolf’s emphasis on consciousness design, a deeper thoughtfulness and responsibility were takeaways from this collaboration at couture season.

Tags: Couture Fashion Week, Fashion, Viktor & Rolf