Sculptural Fashion: Impractical, But Worth It?
Image Courtesy: Iris Van Herpen
From the Diesel leather belt skirt to the Dolce & Gabbana metal corset, pieces like these have shattered the runway. When it comes to more sculptural fashion using out-of-the-box designs, the world can’t get enough. We wish we could strut around as effortlessly as the models did in the eccentric pieces of the Han Kjøbenhavn SS23 show. As breathtaking as they look, how practical are these pieces? The models make them look so easy. But how easy and comfortable are they exactly? My guess is, they aren’t at all.
The original purpose of clothing was to “protect from the elements of nature” and from discomfort. Obviously, the fashion world has evolved immensely since this. However, the overall function of clothing remains the same. Today we have the luxury of also looking like a badass while protecting our bodies. So, when did clothing begin to be a compromise? “Yea, it’s uncomfortable, but at least I’ll look good.” Among the designer pieces I own, they are all incredibly painful. My Maison Margiela flats always rub my skin the wrong way, and my Chloé sunglasses fall right off my head. You would think they would function better since you are paying more for these pieces. If the more basic designer items are so uncomfortable, I can’t even imagine how painful the pieces made from non-traditional fabrics and designs are. I’m cringing at the idea of wearing the Iris Van Herpen skeleton dress for an entire night… ow.
In the late 1990s, Alexander McQueen released multiple collections focusing on pieces that highlighted the female torso, made of things that one wouldn’t traditionally choose as a fabric for clothing. In the “Hunger Collection” of SS96, a clear acrylic cast was showcased with live earthworms inside and one with red ink inside made to look like blood. In the AW99 collection, the “Coiled Corset,” made of 97 handcrafted aluminum coils, was showcased. These pieces are incredibly breathtaking, no doubt. As gory and uncomfortable as they make you feel when you look at them, I can’t imagine how painful they are to actually wear.
A lot of fashion icons are known for their unlikely outfit choices. Julia Fox has become a trendsetter for her choices of out-of-the-box sculptural clothing. You’ll see her strutting around in dynamic pieces made of anything but normal fabric. Our new obsession with her probably wouldn’t have happened if it wasn’t for her eye-catching outfits. After all, she looks amazing. I salute her for her bravery, and I just know her skin is being rubbed in all the wrong places.
Sculptural fashion is one of the most unique things you can put on your body. In reality, these clothes were not designed to be worn for longer than 30 minutes. The rich and famous have that luxury. They can pop on an outfit for a picture and be out of it before the event even starts. Investing in a unique designer piece is a big deal for us normals. We want to be able to wear it and look cool- for longer than 30 minutes. Nevertheless, most of these pieces you can’t even sit down in. Talk about sacrifice. I guess we'll just have to decide; is it worth it?
Strike out,
Ally Nelson
Boca Raton
Ally Nelson is a Content Writer for Strike Magazine Boca. Her passions include studying psychology, creating art and fashion, and drinking margaritas. You can reach her on Instagram @a.l.l.y_n or email @ nelsonalyssa.h@gmail.com.
