The debate surrounding Paris haute couture is repeated every season, yet still we crave the glamor, gloss and splendor. Maison Martin Margiela (these days sans Martin) has celebrated its twentieth anniversary with an artisanal couture collection that redefines accepted notions.
With no floor-sweeping dress in sight, each piece is executed to the expected, and exacting standards; Margiela's recycled couture takes the art to another level. Vintage crocodile, snake and lizard skin clutches are re-fashioned into jackets and thigh-high boots.
The painstaking process involves removing lining and inside pockets, binding individual bags together with leather, and sewing onto a fitted undergarment.
Margiela successfully shows us just what to do with all that junk we push to the back of the wardrobe, although the jury's out on how often we will actually wear any of it.
Upcycled Haute Couture
Maison Martin Margiela's Fall Winter 2010 Showcases Eco, Artisanal Designs
Trend Themes
1. Upcycling Fashion - The trend of upcycling fashion materials is disrupting the traditional fashion industry by transforming discarded items into new and unique designs.
2. Artisanal Couture - The rise of artisanal couture showcases the craftsmanship and creativity of fashion designers, creating disruptive opportunities for customization and one-of-a-kind designs.
3. Sustainable Luxury - The concept of sustainable luxury challenges traditional notions of high-end fashion by incorporating eco-friendly materials and production methods.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion - The fashion industry has the opportunity to embrace upcycling and artisanal couture to offer sustainable and unique fashion designs to consumers.
2. Retail - Retailers can tap into the trend of upcycling fashion and sustainable luxury by curating collections that cater to conscious consumers seeking one-of-a-kind pieces.
3. Textile Manufacturing - Textile manufacturers can explore innovative production methods to support the upcycled fashion trend, such as incorporating recycled materials into their process and offering fabric options with a lower environmental impact.