Catwalk art

Viktor&Rolf: Fashion Artists 25 Years

When Viktor&Rolf launched their first collection 25 years ago, the fashion world went wild! And nothing much has changed since then. That’s because Viktor&Rolf are so much more than creators of the haute couture that has been embraced by stars such as Madonna, Tori Amos and Rihanna. Their shows are always spectacular, as is everything else they do. A wedding gown with 248 handmade bows for a Dutch princess? A perfume range? Ballet costumes? Everything they create is a triumph.

[dt_gap height=”10″ /]

Wearable Art, haute couture collection, AW 15/16 [Photo © Team Peter Stigter]

[dt_gap height=”10″ /]

Now, the Kunsthal has put the two gentlemen in the spotlight. The museum is currently showcasing around 60 of their haute couture pieces which, true to V&R’s approach, bridge the divide between fashion and art.

[dt_gap height=”10″ /]

Question: But is it wearable or not?

V&R: That doesn’t matter – that is not what drives our vision! What does matter is technical perfection, beauty and bold concepts. Conceptual? Whoever wraps one catwalk model in layers upon layers of clothing, has models smashing crockery and has an ‘atomic bomb’ collection is clearly trying to make a point.

[dt_gap height=”10″ /]

Action Dolls, haute couture collection, AW 2017 [Photo © Team Peter Stigter]

[dt_gap height=”10″ /]

The exhibition includes haute couture from many of their sensational shows, including Bedtime Story, Van Gogh Girls and Action Dolls. The princess’s gown is on show as well, as is the dress worn by Madonna for her 2016 charity concert.

[dt_gap height=”10″ /]

The exhibition runs until 30th September

Kunsthal, Museumpark, 341 Westzeedijk

Open Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 5pm, Sunday 11am – 5pm