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Moschino's spring-summer 2021 presentation celebrates the fantasy of fashion with an haute couture marionette show
It almost goes without saying, that in the era of Covid-19, everyone has had to do things a little differently. And the fashion industry is no different. When global lockdowns took place last year, no one knew what direction brands would take for their spring-summer 2021 shows. But Moschino creative director Jeremy Scott is no stranger to whimsical ideas, having turned previous runways into giant, cubist art galleries or kitschy TV game show sets. In fact, thinking out of the box has always been part of his brand and appeal.
This time, Scott was inspired by Théâtre de la Mode, the touring exhibit of miniature couture creations by Parisian designers after World War II to raise funds and help revive the French fashion industry. As a result, clients who were unable to travel to Paris also had the chance to view the creations.
Together with special effects house and puppet workshop Jim Henson’s Creature Shop, which was founded by the famous puppeteer in 1979, Scott created marionettes of his favourite models in 40 runway looks. These 30-inch puppets then “walked” the runway with well‑known fashion editors “attending” the show. What transpired from this collaboration was a fashion film unlike any other, celebrating the beauty and magic of haute couture through puppets and miniature garments.
Under Scott’s direction, Moschino is a brand that views its clothes and accessories with a tongue-in-cheek lens. And in a time where the world is faced with uncertainties, his elaborate marionette show invites people to immerse in a universe where fashion is the focus, if only for just seven minutes. During this time, many have traded in the glamour of fashion for the comfort of WFH-suitable loungewear, but if Moschino’s latest showcase has taught us anything, it is that the spirit of creativity will always prevail.