Scarlett thought, “I’ll think about it tomorrow…”
Autumn/Winter 08/09 collection
Woman’s quest to balance social power with her male counterpart has manifested itself in fashions from the first suit-wearing women of the 1890s through to the iconic power-dressed 1980s.
Truus and Riet Spijkers have an innate benefit that could only be possible as twins – they share an introverted view into the desires of outward appearances for the modern woman. The core philosophy behind the label, and particularly this collection, is that being a liberated woman most certainly does not mean to ignore one’s sexuality, but to embrace its power.
For the Autumn/Winter 2008/09, Spijkers en Spijkers has found inspiration in the heroine Scarlett O’Hara, seduced by the iconic image of a muse that was both strong-willed and dynamic. With such an intriguing character at the core of this collection, Spijkers en Spijkers introduces ‘romance’ as a theme, sparking debate as to how an empowered woman can match such a traditionally sex-based concept with her liberated spirit.
Unifying O’Hara’s forceful nature with the depth of artist Aubrey Beardsley’s dark creations from the Art Nouveau era, Spijkers have produced a story that coins the phrase ‘romantic empowerment’. With clever attention to detail, Spijkers en Spijkers Autumn/Winter is a fusion of themes in a collection that is amorously dark, empowering and surreal.
The collection subtly integrates strong power garments and romantic elements with feminine shapes and textures. Surreal images are discreetly imbedded within the garments; a shape reminiscent of a man’s tie reveals itself as a clever fabric fold, the pleated neck of a dress at closer inspection becomes a large bow-tie.
Romantic ruffles and voluminous taffeta capes are combined with sharply tailored yet delicate pencil skirts and trousers. Bold colors and contrasts are presented on lightweight, undeniably feminine fabrics, which take the stage in a refined tribute to Scarlett’s questionable taste.
Signalling a paradigm shift from ‘power dressing’, Spijkers en Spijkers is the embodiment of ‘empowerment dressing’ and this season, with a fleeting glance at the Romantic.