Looksmaxxing? I’d rather be Theyskensmaxxing.

Many people forget that Olivier Theyskens – the Belgian designer whose signature blends sumptuous fantasy with a kind of solemn, gothic rigor – had a stint at Rochas (a historic Paris-based brand that, much like Nina Ricci, Vionnet, and Carven, never quite found its footing in the 21st century). His stellar debut – the autumn–winter 2003 collection (and, by the way, 2003 really was a great year for fashion, this is why) – is one for the books.

The eveningwear alone deserves a proper Met Gala appearance, especially the Velázquez “Infanta”–inspired velvet pannier dresses, draped and proportioned so exquisitely they seem to levitate over the body. The white rose placed at the back of each look is almost unbearable in its beauty. Fun fact: Stella Tennant’s pink taffeta gown, covered in black Chantilly lace – cut close through the torso, then bursting into undulations at the shoulders and below the knee – was unearthed last year by Lauren Santo Domingo for Bal d’Été. It only proves how timeless this body of work really is. READ THE FULL TEXT HERE.

Collage by Edward Kanarecki.
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