RICK OWENS FOGACHINE SS22 MENS
Atypical hues, familiar silhouettes and sleeveless outerwear are revealed along a glistening Lido di Venezia runway.
Images via Owenscorp
The brilliance of Rick Owens is often lost in the juxtaposition between glamour and grunge. The trademark style that he has seamlessly perfected and elevated is occasionally viewed as unconventional by critics and consumers of “mainstream” luxury designer fashion. But as the pioneer of a revolutionary aesthetic that has become a cult favorite among musicians, purveyors of pop culture and his peers launches his final collection of the COVID-19 era, he has undoubtedly solidified his position as a leading innovator, disruptor and source of influence within the category.
On the heels of three previous shows presented during the global pandemic near Owens’ part-time home in coastal Italy, “Fogachine SS22 Mens” rounds out an extraordinarily introspective period in which heightened considerations were made around not only materials used, but the manner in which products were showcased. “Doing live shows here felt like the right thing to do during this strained moment,” said Owens. “It felt reduced, intimate, honest and raw. Doing live stream shows on the beach in front of my house felt like a retreat but not a defeat.” In doing so, Owens sought to mix glam with responsibility and thoughtfulness – a goal he executed with precision and flair.
Among Fogachine SS22 Mens’ most distinguishable presentation features were the personal non-toxic fog machines that served as the collection’s namesake. The devices were strategically yet subtly placed inside pockets on the side of this season’s platform boots, thereby generating an intense trail of fog along the runway behind several models. From Owens’ perspective, the fog is symbolic of the transitional period from which we have recently emerged, giving way to themes of imminent humility and sustainability while also incorporating hedonistic and celebratory emotions.
Fogachine SS22 Mens is a departure from past Rick Owens collections through its substantial inclusion of soft tonal hues as well as its frequent use of sustainable fabrics. Various shades of white are evident throughout, disco bodysuits are crafted from eco cotton, denim are global organic textile standard certified organic cotton and Pirarucu dragon scale leather – a food byproduct – is found in jackets and bags. An alternate denim custom woven by Yamaashi Orimono is in 16 oz black, natural or orange selvedge on vintage Sakamoto shuttle looms, Also of note are signature Owens silhouettes, namely baggy, flared pants over platforms and elongated shirts, as well as transparent shirts, blazers and coats. And in classic Owens form, bold tailoring plays an essential role as deepening armholes, ripped off sleeves and cutaway fronts and backs grace coats and jackets rendered in undyed cotton and undyed silk chiffons.
Discover Rick Owens Fogachine SS22 Mens at rickowens.eu.
