„Der Mittler zwischen Hirn und Händen muss das Herz sein“
(“The mediator between head and hands is the heart”)
Taking inspiration from the epic film Metropolis directed by Fritz Lang, Spijkers en Spijkers direct their Autumn/Winter 2010/11 collection in a futuristic take on their classic 1920’s inspired style.
The futuristic scenery and images of the film link not only to German expressionism, but also to contemporary Modernism and Art Deco. Metropolis is still impressive for its visionary decor and the ageless story about the magnitude of love.
At first sight Metropolis looks like a perfect city, but underneath the Ray-gun style Gothic skyscrapers of the upper-world lays the laborious and dirty underworld. The upper can’t exist without the labour of the underworld beneath it. It is Freder, son of the city manager, who binds these two worlds together, out of love for Maria, a girl from the world below.
Maria, who is transformed into the robot woman ‘Hel’ is the muse for this collection. Spijkers en Spijkers have taken a sharp-witted approach on Maria, portraying her as sensitive and strong, and conveying this through the fabrics and prints for AW 2010.
The twins have created a collection inspired by the luxury and glamour of Metropolis’ upper-world, then contrasting with the grubby workmen beneath. Metal-look, shiny fabrics combined with simple, casual materials like cotton and wool blend and emphasize the contrast. At the same time they intensify and compliment each other. Diagonal lines and shapes give a new dynamic to the designs and refer to the streamlined modern style of the late 1920’s. Base colors are typically light earth tones, off-whites, grays or beiges; the trim colors are bright and dark to contrast the light color of the garments. Metropolis’ skyline is re-created in printed silks, which reflect light and theme of this collection.
Autumn/Winter 2010/11 is about balance between shape, material and colour giving a new angle to Spijkers en Spijkers already varied and successful repertoire.