Fashion Week can be a chaotic time, but for designer Paula Canovas del Vas, chaos is where she thrives. At her recent presentation at the Spanish embassy in Paris, guests were greeted with a unique interactive experience. They were handed cards with a jumble of letters and symbols and invited to create a message to leave on a board. The designer herself kicked things off with a bold statement: “No One Owns Me,” setting the tone for her show.
Inspired by conceptual artists Jenny Holzer and Gillian Wearing, Canovas del Vas aimed to spark creativity and self-expression in others. She wanted to share the freedom of artistic expression with those who may not have the same opportunities. Inside the embassy dining room, models carried giant letters made of lime tissue paper, spelling out words in English, French, and Spanish on a massive mahogany table.
The designer’s sartorial offerings reflected her signature playful colors and graphic motifs. Lace-up bustiers inspired by iconic sneakers, like the Converse Chuck 70, were a standout, as were customized versions of the shoes adorned with hand-sculpted flowers by Canovas del Vas’s mother. The collection also featured clever twists on traditional shirting, with elongated shirts worn back-to-front and embellished with furry cuffs for a unique cocktail look. Additional details like extra sleeves that could be wrapped and tied, as well as a new range of accessories like keyrings, necklaces, and hats, added to the whimsical charm of the collection.
For the first time, Canovas del Vas also introduced menswear to her lineup, featuring manga-inspired T-shirts and denim pieces. While the grey jumpsuit with pink bows may appeal more to feminine tastes, the designer’s foray into menswear marks a new chapter in her creative journey. The collection also embraced texture with shaggy options for trendsetters, but it was the tiered, puffy skirts that stole the show, symbolizing a defiance of gravity and other constraints in fashion.
As the fashion industry embraces a season of experimentation and innovation, Paula Canovas del Vas’s collection stands out for its bold creativity and playful design elements. With a mix of whimsical details, unexpected twists, and a touch of rebellion, the designer continues to push boundaries and inspire self-expression through her artistry.
