Viktor & Rolf Fall 2020 Couture

[melancholy instrumental music]

[Mika] Change, Viktor & Rolf Haute Couture,

Autumn-Winter 2020.

Three wardrobes for three mindsets

in these extraordinary times of change.

Here is the first of three outfits that together embody

a rather somber mood,

a feeling of sadness and anger familiar to many these days.

This at home chemise, or should I say nightgown,

is in dark blue man-made satin.

The empire line and decollete of this dress

delicately hug the bust, giving way to a flowing hemline.

Note the intricate lace encrustations.

They form an interesting rain cloud motif,

a fitting symbol of the gloom in the air these days.

The next look of this first capsule appears.

Meant to be worn inside the home only,

one can detect a hint of the masculine dressing gown

influencing this dark gray chenille deshabille.

But there are other interesting features, too.

Wide cuffs and a collar in quilted satin, edged in braid.

An elaborate bow marks this

as a typically Viktor & Rolf creation.

The extra long slouchy sleeves accentuate the gravitas

of the moment.

For the final appearance in this panoply of gloom,

a majestic coat in an animal-friendly faux leather.

There's a lot to feel angry about

and this garment will communicate exactly that.

It's striking volume and cone motif will impress

and make you feel safe.

The face mask, by the way, has won global acclaim

as the smartest new accessory of the season.

As the first display of ensembles is completed,

the second group arrives

signaling our conflicting emotions these days.

Sometimes up, then again down,

social media's perplexing hypnosis

put our stability at risk,

luring us from the banal to plain horror and back again,

they leave us bewildered.

Confusion already reigns at the shoulder line

of this nightgown.

Hesitant between covered and nude,

this first look is one-shouldered flowing affair

of pale pinks and ferric satin.

The dress is manically decorated with a polka dot motif

of contradictory emojis,

each symbolizing a state of mind.

A maelstrom of emotions ingeniously crafted

with insets of yellow lace and delicate satin.

Pick your favorite.

The fuzzy softness of this deshabille is juxtaposed

by the nervous asymmetry of its design.

Diagonal sashes rest as they cross the body

and frantically entangle one of the arms,

and this shell of bows endeavors to soften the impact

of muffled horror which is emphasized

by the listless color scheme of pale pink and canary yellow.

A maximalist asymmetric coat in pink and yellow pleather

with glittery accents completes this manic mini wardrobe.

It's generous A-line volume guarantees you will remain

in your own safe zone while venturing out into the world.

The abstract decoration of holes and tunnels

is at the same time unapproachable,

as well as attractive,

an effect that is emphasized by the color clash

of pinks and yellows.

The next three ensembles radiate love

for Autumn-Winter 2020.

This floor-length free flowing negligee

is a vision of prettiness with its swirling abundance

of red, white, and black hearts.

Lace encrustations are used

to the opposite effect as before.

Melancholy becomes serenity.

Change is necessary.

If only we could change ourselves

as easily as we do our outfits.

Who wouldn't chose love?

Because love conquers all, n'est-ce pas?

Here is one of a kind bathrobe.

Knowing that change is the only constant,

this majestic creation is designed to impart

a feeling of royalty.

A snug-belted bodice gives way to a skirt

with an important volume.

The cotton material has a wafer relief.

The heart-shaped pockets in quilted satin with braided edges

provide a charming detail,

remind us of what is most important in life.

Comfortable and safe, this deshabille will make you feel

like a princess at the ball.

Finally, designed for a loving message,

the stunning finally coat proudly features the heart symbol

that shows unity.

We all deserve to be loved, regardless of age, color,

gender, race, religion, or sexuality.

Social distancing never felt so sweet

in this white faux leather manteau,

adorned with dozens of glittering hearts.

A fitting climax for this pageant

of 2020 couture loveliness.

And with these last creations, we leave you for now.

The world round us is changing rapidly.

Whether apocalypse or new spiritual era,

you will continue to be able to step into

the singular universe of spectacular beauty,

unexpected elegance, and spiritual glamor

of Viktor and Rolf.

[melancholy instrumental music]