
Stunts and gimmicks have become an integral part of Fashion Week, with brands pulling out all the tricks to stand out from the packed schedule – who could forget Coperni’s spray on dress moment with Bella Hadid? This season was no different. While some stunts can pass off as thoughtless and only a way to generate attention on social media, one that has impressed all of us across the board during Paris Fashion Week is Anrealage, with its light-sensitive garments that, when exposed to UV light, saw colours and patterns emerging onto the fabric. We took to our TikTok to repost a video from the show, which got over 500k views, and had our community perplexed on what they had just witnessed.

One of you was particularly impressed by this new direction within fashion brands. “Fashion designers are going to another level” said @wilkersan, before adding his thoughts on Anrealage’s approach, simply stating that it was a “masterpiece”. @zettaaxx shared the same sentiment, by noticing a tiny flaw in the works. “The first on the left missed a bit of her arm – proof that it’s a real and cool concept”. As much as Anrealage’s appearing colours look like a magic trick, the performance was deeply rooted in photochromic science.
Anrealage has actually been using this light-reactive technology for a decade now, but the trick never ceases to amaze. @dy0c08300b460 put it very simply when they stated “Very fashionable! I like it!” Indeed, pushing the boundaries in which clothes can be perceived and showcased, fashion brands have been putting emphasis not on their clothing, but rather on the impressive stunts the garments can be performed in.

While some find this to be a decline in fashion’s quality, others are entertained by the unconventional showings. Some of you have even been inspired by Anrealage’s show, including @user72839293 commenting “Hear me out: this but with hair”. Honestly, we wish. On the other hand, @unlucky.mf was reminded of her “sister putting her LOL dolls in water”. Anrealage’s pieces are just like that except you don’t have to get wet for a clothing makeover.

@alwill96 was impressed by this, stating “me feeling like I’ve jumped into the future somehow”. The reason why Fashion Month is such an enthralling time is because designers get to experiment with different ways in which to portray fashion. Who knows – maybe light-sensitive clothing could actually become a pioneering way in which to change from a day outfit to an evening outfit without changing clothing at all.
More on CULTED
See: YOUR PARIS FASHION WEEK FW23 ROUNDUP
See: CULTED COMMUNITY TALKS: EVERYTHING FALLING APART AT AVAVAV’S FW23 SHOW