This collection marks the beginning of my continuous exploration of the evolving concept of luxury through time. While it takes the form of a rather classical garment collection, its goal is to capture the transition towards the prominence of immaterial luxuries, such as water, air, and light. It raises questions about the potential contributions of fashion in driving change, establishing new paradigms of luxury, and cultivating an updated ideal through materials, shapes, functions and representations.

The capsule collection addresses customers as technologically advanced cultivators, the clothing designs encompass five distinct silhouettes, drawing inspiration from the attire worn by Dutch farmers and fishers in the 1940. These elements are integrated into timeless key pieces like trench coats, shirts, jackets, and belted skirts, with a unisex perspective, it encourages modular layering in styling. Central to the collection is the implementation of digital textile laser-cut treatments, which introduce a disruption to the constructed garments through delicate fragmentation, embracing the aesthetics of decomposition. Crafted through the deconstruction of found objects, lanterns, and mouth-blown glass, customized water bottles, frames, and rings now serve as ‘contemplative accessories.’ Replacing conventional handbags, they rather function as portable sculptures and evolved symbols of status, intimately tied to the elements of water and light.

To situate the concept within an spatial context, the presentation took place, underground in the empty safe of a former bank building in Basel, Switzerland. The bank safe historically represents a place of security and preservation of valuable assets. This time, it hosted the gathering of the cast, jury and the audience during the performative presentation, followed by a discussion on the imperative shifts and changes needed within the fashion industry. This industry stands out as not only extravagant but also one of the most toxic and environmentally detrimental sectors.

Concept, Design | Pauline Lutz
Casting | Pauline Lutz
Location Scouting | Pauline Lutz
Sound & Choreography | Pauline Lutz
Assistance | Michiel Helbig, Nadine Möckli & Yves Meier

Institute for Fashion and Productdesign FHNW HGK Basel