Guo Pei Haute Couture Fall-Winter 2020-2021 Paris Digital Fashion week. RUNWAY MAGAZINE ® Collections. RUNWAY NOW / RUNWAY NEW
Press-Release
“Life is fascinating and beautiful. Life is the utmost gift from nature to the earth.
The growth and renewal of life forms, the constant evolution of life seemingly reveals life’s infinite wisdom and vitality. The pandemic has impacted everyone and renewed our understanding of the life’s value and purpose. As we stay safely indoors, we long for Savannah’s vast grasslands. In the face of mortality, we take pleasure in visualizing the vitality and grace of a galloping animal. The beauty of life gives us courage in the face of adversity. The awe of nature inspires us to live life more humbly. The delicate balance of life and nature reflects the future of mankind.” —— Guo Pei
Guo Pei’s Autumn/Winter 2020 collection is inspired by the mystical African grasslands. Here, the original landscapes of Earth are preserved. Nature’s law of survival, migration and procreation remain untainted. The designer draws upon this invigorating life force, composing a concerto to nature’s rhythm, celebrating the tenacity of life.
The fabric, Piñatex features prominently in this collection. Combining rich natural resources and traditional Filipino weaving techniques, Piñatex fabrics are made from plant fibers of pineapple leaves. The designer chose the fusion of this naturally sourced material put together by manual craft to once again, explore sustainable fashion. Elephant grey and white, neutrals, serve as supports for the two colours that symbolize the veins of life – the passionate red and the dreamy blue. Evocation of our life, sometimes calm, sometimes exhilarating, in a dimension between dream and reality.
As a substitute for natural leather, Piñatex fabrics have an excellent crisp texture, providing unlimited possibilities for the construction of modern silhouettes. Using outward-folded edges, three-dimensional geometric cross-sections and exaggerated circular arcs, Guo Pei boldly uses deconstructed cuts to interpret simple lines and structured silhouettes. Through contemporary styles of neatly-cut coats, classic suits and A-shaped skirts, Guo Pei portrays the independence and liberal spirit of today’s women.
Contrasting with the structural silhouettes are hand embroidered, graceful animal motifs such as cheetahs, giraffes and zebras. The elegant neck curve of the giraffe, the mesmerizing stipes of the zebra, the sturdy limbs of the elephant, blended into the movement of the garments, as if ready for a modern urban adventure. Puffy sleeves adorned with zebras and elephant trunks innovatively conveys the affinity between nature and fashion.
The principles of sustainable fashion are also reflected in the craftsmanship in this collection. The texture of traditional handcrafted sheep wool felt is creatively blended with intricate embroidery, like a lively dialogue – intense yet delicate…a romantic representation of the grandiosity of the savanna grassland.
Guo Pei Autumn/Winter 2020 collection transports one from urban life to the primitive and vast fields of Savannah, embracing the essence of life in its primal and true form.
