Guests were given caps and masks to wear
To say it’s a pretty big day out here in Paris is an understatement to say the least. As you may have heard, a certain Off-White designer is set to make his debut at Louis Vuitton in a matter of minutes, and there’s a palpable sense of anticipation in the air. Before that, though, comes another big moment, as Dazed favourite Rick Owens presents his vision of SS19. Here’s everything you need to know.
THE SET WAS SPECTACULAR (OBVS)
As (almost) always, Rick invited guests to the Palais de Tokyo this morning, where they assembled around the edges of the runway in a courtyard outside. Why invitations came in the form of a black mask stamped with the show’s details soon became clear, as vivid blue, yellow, red, and green smoke began filling the air, cycling through each colour as the show progressed. Against the cool stone of the Palais and the cloudless Parisian sky, the effect was particularly beautiful.
THE COLLECTION WAS CALLED BABEL
...in reference to The Tower of Babel, which was built by a united humanity in an attempt to reach the heavens according to the Old Testament. Also referenced was Tatlin’s Tower — a monumental building designed by Russian artist and architect Vladimir Tatlin that was never built. “Structure vs confusion, constructivism vs chaos — a reminder of what could be,” read the show notes.
...AND FEATURED EMBROIDERED SKETCHES OF STRUCTURES
Presented in Rick’s characteristically understated colour palette, the collection featured washed, cropped denim jackets, sharp-shouldered tailoring with arms crafted from sheer silk, oversized trenches, deconstructed tees and wide-legged trousers. Many of the pieces featured structural sketches which were seemingly haphazardly stitched onto the fabric, while the designer’s signature Megaparka was updated in silk crepe and adorned with sequins.
RICK DEBUTED HIS SECOND COLLAB WITH BIRKENSTOCK
Having teamed up with the German footwear brand to present his take on the brand’s classic styles earlier this year, Owens sent a series of hiking boots and sandals down the runway for SS19. No word on whether Rick himself will be on hand to offer foot massages at the launch this time around just yet...
WEARABLE RICK OWENS TENTS ARE NOW A THING
Towards the end of the show, a number of models wearing hooded nylon ponchos assembled into constructivist shapes appeared. According to the show notes, they’ll be shipped out in their collapsed state complete with a set of numbered aluminium poles that can be inserted into the garment to change and manipulate its form. Perfect for festival season?
TOMMY CASH TOOK TO THE RUNWAY
Estonian rapper and Dazed 100-er Tommy Cash was on the soundtrack, creating an exclusive mix of his tracks “Leave Me Alone” and “Pussy Money Weed” that models stomped down the runway to. His involvement in the show didn’t stop there: Owens tapped him to take to the catwalk himself, dressing him in a deconstructed beige tank and sending him out to the waiting audience.