Masters of surrealism Viktor Horsting and Rolf Snoeren have always had a thing or two for dramatic combinations and epic proportions. So it only seemed logical for the power duo to conjure a mythical woman for their Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2017-2018 collection- literally.

The show kicked off- much to everyone’s surprise- with surreal silhouettes topped off with doll heads. The garments were seemingly matched with the gigantic doll heads, which were in turn embellished with diversified wigs. Picture real-life dolls in cushion-like mini dresses and silk anoraks- all of which were bursting with bold and vibrant colors. The House’s swirling “Pierrot” volumes were converted into silk as they took over collars and shoulders, yielding them volume and ever-lasting presence. It was all very “Dollhouse”, but in a Viktor & Rolf kind of way. Halfway through the show, the shimmer cushion-dresses transformed into fantasy delicacies, as they served as a canvas for perky colorful prints and then were matched with blue trousers and matching shoes. Everything about it screamed “big and daring”. Think oversized zippers, oversized collars and oversized bows. And suddenly, the models’ faces were revealed, and everything fell back into place; there were denim shorts and trousers with buoyant patterns- all of which were uncovered by the oversized shiny cover-ups.

The duo showcased a playful twist on Couture and show-goers were momentarily swept away to another dimension, possibly one of great creativity. But then again, isn’t it the designers’ forte to imagine the unimaginable?

Cindy Menassa