WALTER VAN BEIRENDONCK SS21 'MIRROR' - Video + Exclusive Sketches

We’ve already told you where to find Walter Van Beirendonck this summer. But there’s even more to share.

Always up first for a pioneering move, Walter showed his WALTER VAN BEIRENDONCK SS21 collection during the historic first digital Paris Fashion Week Men’s on July 9, as physical runway shows have not yet resumed officially for the moment. The collection is titled ‘MIRROR’ and as the invitation with the piercing, unsettling work of art created by Spanish artist Pablo Iglesias Prada with typography by the master Paul Boudens previewed, the collection itself is bound to leave a lasting mark.

Walter’s wish for ‘MIRROR’ was to send out a collection offering both power and hope, in times as uncertain as we’ve ever known them. Looking ahead, but also drawing inspiration from the past, the ‘MIRROR’ digital show presentation itself was inspired by the resourcefulness the French couturiers of the 1940s had to display after WWII. Due to financial constraints as well as fabric scarceness, designers set up a travelling road show of miniature mannequins called the ‘Théâtre de la Mode’ in 1945.

For SS21, Walter and a former student - the amazingly talented Japan-based miniature maker Eli Effenberger - plus the Trois Quarts studio in Antwerp collaborated on crafting 22 miniatures. In the just-debuted collection presentation video below, you can see how mind-blowingly skillful, forward-pushing and loving these clothes have been crafted to fit the beguiling-looking miniature archetypes. (I cannot emphasise enough how much I need to see myself in that full MR. SPELLBOUND look.)

‘MIRROR’ was designed and tailored to send forth pieces that will shield us from evil, see ourselves in each other as well as symbolize a reawakening of beauty in a besieged world. The otherworldy colours and prints echo the ghost-like shapes found in paintings by Swiss artist Miriam Cahn. Tying it all together, mirror fragments in different shapes complete the striking silhouettes while Walter’s signature use of slogans such as ‘AWAKE A NEW WORLD NOW’ reminds us of what’s next, in order for us to collectively create the bold new world we deserve.

The beautiful soundtrack provided by Perfume Genius riles up emotions you hardly realised were there to begin with. A poignant and absolutely needle-moving presentation. The show ends with the powerful words spoken by Walter, written by Dominique Nzeyimana.

Watch the show below and take a look at the previously unseen, stunning ‘MIRROR’ hair and make-up designs and collection sketches, ever so generously and exclusively shared with KNOTORYUS by Walter Van Beirendonck himself.