AREA’S AW 22 collection looks like Las Vegas in its glory days. Inspired by showgirls and exotic dancers – the garments are glitzy, colourful and straight out of an Elton John music video.
“This season we wanted to explore the rich universe of showgirls in all its forms – from iconic figures such as Zizi Jeanmarie and Josephine Baker to cultural events that we translated through the lens of haute couture by exploring craftsmanship and showcasing craft, confidence & attitude.”
Just like a popular nightclub, the collection is crowded with crystals and feathers. Brassieres, thongs and thigh garters that display the brand’s name are constructed with crystals. Ostrich feathers trim a pair of daisy dukes and colourful houndstooth capri trousers & cropped jacket sets.
Drawing inspiration from the Carnival festival in Brazil, the colour palette is a kaleidoscope of bright colours. The Carnival design reference is also detected in the elaborate bejewelled face masks and feather headpieces resembling butterflies and a flock of birds.
While the garments are reminiscent of costumes, the meticulous craftsmanship that went into the collection should not be underestimated. Detail-orientated techniques such as bombe, overlapping sequins, feather stitches were employed in the creation of the collection.
Following a two year period of postponed festivals and closed clubs – Area made up for lost time with their AW22 collection.
by Jamison Kent