2018 - 20 YEARS

“We can see our lives, in each and every piece”

This year A.F.Vandevorst celebrates their 20th anniversary. In honour of this, the Couture show for SS18 presents A.F.Vandevorst ALWAYS+FOREVER - a carefully curated selection from the archives. This is not a retrospective, it is a re-imagination. 40 looks, from 40 seasons were considered in a contemporary light; unquestionably wearable today. The looks are in chronological order, starting with the first season and ending with the most recent. Upon reflection, the integrity of A.F.Vandevorst is beautifully apparent in their homogeneous colour scheme, feminine/masculine contrasting, and paradoxical combinations.

ALWAYS+FOREVER embraces A.F.Vandevorst’s recent decision to design without the boundaries of speed - to truly allow for the space and process it takes to create garments that excite us on a profound level, for years to come. The collection reminisces the art- and life- journey embarked on together by the designer duo. In each and every silhouette, both are and were present. The attached white archive tickets, are like emotional passports, representing the memories of their story. A.F.Vandevorst’s anniversary show challenges the industry’s notion that the ‘old’ loses value for the sole reason that it is not new.

The designers’ hommage to traditional rigid military uniform and horse riding wear, consistently styled with soft volume, showcases the captivating marriage between lines and curves. This returns with tough nailed blazers and soft plissé soleil dresses. The extravagant thigh high boots remind us of the duo’s great love for grand foot wear, whilst the typical A.F.Vandevorst layering, present in all looks, is metaphorical of their dedication to depth. The t-shirt capsule is a collaboration with famed fashion activist B. Åkerlund, bringing the perfect modern undertone, subtly visible beneath the A.F.Vandevorst classics. A.F.Vandevorst’s memorable red cross emblem naturally appears, as do their hospital references. More A.F.Vandevorst iconics include the AW98/99 saddle corset, SS01 leather waistcoat, and AW9/10 felt trench.