Clothes Flew Off Runway Models As AVAVAV Declares That Yeti Boots Are In
Clothes were literally flying off runway models this morning in Milan, making my 5 am wake-up for this show totally worth it. AVAVAV knows how to make a statement, that’s for sure, given the fact that models (purposely) ate absolute sh*t on the runway during their last show, Spring/Summer 2023 RTW, back in September.
The collection, “Fake It Till You Break It,” was showcased in an odd yet eye-catching way. It began with small accessories breaking off models’ bodies, accompanied by slow, classical music in the background. The music grew more dramatic as the show went on, and the flying of garments with it. Dresses, pants, and tops were being completely ripped off in all different manners.
The brand’s look has evolved immensely since its last show, which did not necessarily come as a shock. An Instagram teaser gave us preparation for the new and exciting looks bound to come from AVAVAV. “Dear passengers,” Creative Director Beate Karlsson said using a voice distorter, sporting a futuristic robot fit, “We would like to inform you that we are changing. The past year was just the beginning of a very long intoxicating ride,” said Karlsson.
The Fall/Winter 2023 Ready-to-Wear collection was sleeker and, honestly, more mature than their last collection. Bright colors were almost completely eliminated, incorporating a majority of black pieces into their looks. Although a few pops of soft purples and blues were incorporated into the mix, the color palette stayed for the majority on the warmer spectrum, mostly reds, calm oranges, and various shades of warm nudes. Various forms of tassels and articles with multiple slits were integrated into the styles, something never seen before from AVAVAV. The materials and designs weren’t as feminine as previous looks, sheer and faux feather materials were replaced with leather and cotton.
The excessive and parodic screaming money signature seems as though it’s here to stay for this brand; bedazzled graphics that in previous shows read “filthy rich” now read “hot rich,” dollar bill earrings, puffer purses, watch chokers, and yes–you guessed it, Moonster boots. Karlsson has expressed that she intends to embody an exaggerated rich AF look to expose the idea of projecting false wealth. I speak confidently when I say she does that exquisitely in both collections.
We were graced with the return of the four-toed shoes, seen in the form of boots and heels. As odd as they are, this footwear style is unique and exciting, and something I have never seen on the runway until AVAVAV. While the shoes encompass the same form as they did in their last collection, the style in the new collection was heavily muted. The colors were completely eliminated, only occurring in black. The size and dramatic design showcased in the most recent Spring/Summer collection was abandoned as well, making them look (almost) like your typical footwear.
The AVAVAV team has declared that chunky silhouettes are in for the season, wide furry boots and boxy overcoats taking over the runway. The Moonster boots returning for the Fall/Winter 2023 collection are exactly what I was hoping for, this time bigger and better than ever. The colors, material, and shape of the boots create the perfect statement piece. While some might see them as ridiculous, I think Karlsson is on to something big. The Monster boots reach a whole new level of originality and fashionability. They’re just simply f*cking cool.
During the finale of the show, Karlsson stepped out on the runway and was immediately followed by the collapse of the wall behind her. The opening in the wall exposed those who do behind-the-scenes work for the AVAVAV team. This, to me, was very moving in the sense that credit was given to those who don’t typically receive it as they should. The accessories and garments breaking and/or falling off unmask the false idea that fashion has to be completely perfect all the time. “Why is a luxury so serious?” Karlsson said when commenting on her latest collection. “Right now, I feel like the coolest attitude is exposing your vulnerability, carrying it as an accessory.”
AVAVAV did more than impress and raised the bar for future collections to come. I am so excited to see these trends unfold and watch the growing brand evolve. I speak truthfully when I say that AVAVAV has the potential to become a top trendsetter in the fashion world.
Strike out,
Morgan Harms
Morgan Harms is a Content Writer for Strike Magazine Boca. She is a pisces mermaid infatuated with the ocean and the color blue. She spends her free time daydreaming, wave hunting, and blasting music from whatever genre she’s into that day. You can reach her on Instagram @morganjharms, or by email morganjharms@gmail.com.