For his FW21 RTW women’s show titled ‘Gethesmane’, Rick Owens once again chose Lido, Venice as the location, the third time he’s done so since the world went into lockdown. The show carried the same title as Owens’ recent menswear show and brought forward religious connotations into the collection.
Models, masked up (of course), walked through a smoke-filled catwalk that took place by the seaside. The sounds of the crashing waves were masked by the intense music, with Ghostmane once again being used as the show’s soundtrack.
Focusing on the idea of glamour, the show was a duality in and of itself, presenting a combination of comfortwear as well as more elaborate pieces, which had the grandness of couture. Jackets with oversized puffer sleeves were matched with beautiful knits, while exaggerated shoulders and cashmere bodysuits were seen throughout.
The collection also featured oversized long flowing outerwear, inspired by Catholic culture. Speaking to British Vogue, he says “I went to Catholic school, and in the very conservative culture I was living in, the dragging robes and the temples and all that glamour was something I could cling to as a kid.”
The idea of morality is present throughout the show. Rick Owens is one of the few designers who has consistently used masks in his show. He showed us a darker, yet more beautiful representation of the current state of fashion while still acknowledging the effects of the pandemic.
Check out the full show below.
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See also: EVERYTHING YOU CAN EXPECT FROM WOMEN’S FASHION MONTH
