The Église Protestante Unie de l’Étoile may be a liberal church, but this past Sunday was anything but traditional. The congregation was filled with the fashion-forward followers of designers Bryn Taubensee and Patric DiCaprio, the creative duo behind Vaquera. Known for their avant-garde and boundary-pushing designs, Taubensee and DiCaprio never fail to attract a crowd of fashion enthusiasts willing to push the limits of style.
As the show began, it was impossible not to draw comparisons to iconic fashion houses like Gucci. The first model strutted down the runway in a low-cut thong, her pubic hair styled into a fluorescent green heart – a bold and daring choice reminiscent of the provocative aesthetic of Tom Ford-era Gucci campaigns. References to fashion history were sprinkled throughout the collection, with nods to Rudi Gernreich’s scandalous monokini from 1964 and Yves Saint Laurent’s iconic cocoon dress from 1965.
One of the standout pieces was an inverted triangle top adorned with a bow tie, evoking memories of the otherworldly performer Klaus Nomi. The use of white face makeup on the models brought to mind William Klein’s avant-garde film “Qui êtes-vous, Polly Maggoo?” from 1966, adding a touch of surrealism to the collection.
Throughout the show, skin-baring designs took center stage, with hip-cut trousers featuring trompe l’oeil thongs, leather dresses with strategically placed zippers, and harlequin patterns exposing flashes of skin. Taubensee and DiCaprio described the collection as a reflection of the tension between perfection and chaos, capturing the essence of our fractured present while paying homage to the fashion pioneers of the past.
In a world where trends come and go, Vaquera’s ability to blend nostalgia with innovation is truly remarkable. Their ability to reinterpret and reinvent iconic fashion moments ensures that their designs remain relevant and captivating. The show at Église Protestante Unie de l’Étoile was a testament to their unique vision and unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of fashion.
As the fashion world continues to evolve, Vaquera stands out as a beacon of creativity and originality. Their ability to create fashion fan fiction that resonates with audiences born in different eras is a testament to their timeless appeal. The show at Église Protestante Unie de l’Étoile was a celebration of fashion, art, and the enduring power of sartorial storytelling.
