Via Archaíos
In the very near future, our society is still acting the same, blinded from all the evident signs from nature, warning us of the soon extinction of our species. Because of this, a group decided to live on the fringe of society. This community, composed of both men and women, rethink their vision and relation to nature and their own body. These people migrate from place to place according to their needs.
Their garments are loose and simple for easy movement, or more rigid and protective to face the wild world. They gather, as the trip goes by, objects found in abandoned villages, due to various climate shocks. Those mystic objects adorn their bodies as an external skeleton, symbolizing the journey that built them.
Collarbones are one of the most visible bones under our skin. Often forgotten in body representation, like in fashion illustrations, collarbones are, however, the bones that are at the origin of our build. First to appear and last to finish growing, its visibility depends a lot on the different positions the body can adopt.
This part, the anchor of our corporal architecture, is full of symbolism. It’s a fragile bone and very exposed. But this part is also, in the Iliad, the only part not protected by armor. Because of this, Achilles kills Hector, sinking his lance in this specific part of Hector’s body.
This bone is therefore essential for maintaining our build and therefore our strength, but also a point of weakness. This duality is highlighted in the collection by using both flexible and transparent materials and pairing them with rigid and opaque ones.
Collarbones are highlighted by necklaces that are shaped directly on and around them. The garment stems from the necklaces. The traditional shoulder point of clothing is transferred to the true original bones of our build.
Materials, but also colors, play in the balance between inflexible architecture and delicacy. Pieces reference Achilles’ lance, the slits are highlighted by embroidery, pattern making or another contrast with transparency.
The accessory research highlights the duality between the fragility and the strength of collarbones.
The necklaces are shaped and molded directly on to a specific bust. It follows the curves of the neck and back, shoulders, and ends around the collarbone. It underlines this foundation line for our build. The jewels fit closely to the volume variations of the body, but also protect it. This strengthens the body like Greek armor, in reference to the story of Achilles killing Hector in the Iliad, putting his lance just below the collarbone of his enemy.
The usage of porcelain is linked to the materiality of bones. Both are the same color, rigid, but can easily be broken. Metallic parts contribute to this analogy with the bones. They are reminiscent of the metal screws used to keep broken collarbones in place.
Finally, the curved and ornamental aspect is linked to the idea of a nomadic group. Despite their taste for simplicity and freedom of movement, they see a symbol of past civilizations in those artifacts.
Credits
Photographer | Laure Julien |
Model | Anastasia De Villeneuve |