The steam punk style of dystopian zombie-apocalypse worlds has met its match. And this is all thanks to designer Irene Luft, who launched a spectacular spring/summer 2014 collection at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Her fifth foray into the event may be her most intriguing yet, mixing couture with industrial elements, such as plastic and gas masks.
A delicate see-through lace dress combined with a gas mask covered in the same material
A transparent dress with folded fabric rosettes forming a gorgeous sash
The colors in this collection are muted: white, beige, brown, and occasional gold whittled down by a gorgeously hollow, architectural design. We see Luft’s signature luxe style in the geometric puffs of fabric or intricate armoire-type lace forming deconstructed dresses. These elements climb even higher to enclose the model’s head (see the outfits with gas masks). Backstage changing must be an interesting story!
A glimmering web as an extraordinary mini dress
Interesting separates? Top, miniskirt, and rosette-covered gas mask
The breathing apparatus is definitely the show-stopping element in Luft’s collection. It serves as a canvas for her exquisite technique and gives an unexpected eerie feel to the show.
The ensemble of the show — an exquisitely detailed figure-hugging dress paired with a mask with woven extensions
Perhaps, this collection also shows Luft’s ethical stance on sustainable fashion. She did set up a couture manufactory in Plauen, which upholds socially responsible practices. We can only guess. More than that, this obviously demonstrates to us Luft’s view of next year’s spring/summer clothes — revealing, intricate, and neutral.
Irene Luft’s Spring/Summer 2014 at the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week held in Berlin on July 4, 2013
Irene Luft taking a bow after her spectacular show
Trivia: Irene Luft attended the German Master Craftsmen School for Fashion and graduated from the Akademie für Mode & Design in Munich.
Credit: Michael Huebner/Sebastian Gabsch/Future Image/WENN