Rick Owens, a celebrated American designer based in Europe, recently unveiled his latest menswear collection at the Tempio Votivo in Venice, a historic shrine dedicated to the Italian soldiers who lost their lives in the World Wars. This momentous occasion took place alongside President Joe Biden’s solemn tribute to fallen soldiers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington Cemetery. While Biden’s inauguration symbolized a return to normalcy and decency, Owens’ fashion show embodied a sense of artistic heroism with its bold and innovative designs.
Entitled ‘Gethsemane’ as a reference to the garden where Jesus prayed before his crucifixion, Owens’ collection embraced themes of gender fluidity, non-conformity, and free expression. Models strutted down the runway in a dramatic fashion, enveloped in billowing clouds of dry ice, set against the backdrop of the Sacrario Militare di Venezia, a sacred military ossuary commemorating fallen warriors. The collection featured a striking array of garments, including faux chain mail masks, cropped puffer jackets, frock coats, denim vests, and quilted capes paired with distressed jeans and rugged pirate boots.
While the fashion industry has leaned heavily towards comfortable loungewear during the pandemic, Owens boldly introduced floor-length cardigans, men’s skirts, and dramatic waders crafted from luxurious green suede, injecting a dose of high-octane style into the show. The collection’s title, ‘Gethsemane,’ alluded to a period of unease and anticipation before a pivotal moment, mirroring the current global atmosphere of uncertainty and turmoil.
The decision to host the show at the Sacrario Militare di Venezia added a poignant layer of historical significance to the event. The shrine serves as the final resting place for countless soldiers, including victims of tragic wartime events such as the Massacre of Treglia, underscoring the horrors of war and the resilience of those who have fought against tyranny. Through his provocative designs and thought-provoking concepts, Owens paid tribute to the indomitable spirit of those who have stood up against oppression and injustice.
The juxtaposition of President Biden’s somber ceremony and Owens’ daring fashion spectacle may seem disparate at first glance, but both occasions share a common thread of honoring and upholding principles of truth, justice, and freedom. While Biden paid respects to those who made the ultimate sacrifice, Owens celebrated the spirit of rebellion and defiance through his boundary-pushing creations. In an era marked by political unrest and social upheaval, Owens serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of art and creativity in challenging norms and inspiring positive change.
For further insights on Rick Owens’ avant-garde designs, check out the official website here. To explore more about the Sacrario Militare di Venezia and its historical significance, visit the official page here.
