Milk of Lime: Bringing Poetry Back to Fashion
Towards the end of Milk of Lime’s stunning show, a male model strutted down the runway in a striking ensemble. The outfit consisted of a black tee with cap sleeves adorned with fabric resembling barbed wire, paired with slouchy black pants trailing long ribbon ties. It exuded an effortless and undeniably cool vibe. What truly set this look apart was the bold statement emblazoned across the tee: “I Demand Poetry.”
Nico Verhaegen and Julia Ballardt, the creative minds behind Milk of Lime, believe that poetry has been forgotten in the fashion industry, overshadowed by diva-ism and irony. According to Verhaegen, honesty is what is truly needed in the industry today, as irony has run its course.
The duo, who first crossed paths while studying at the Royal Academy in Antwerp, drew inspiration from the raw and romantic Flemish aesthetic of the ’90s for their latest collection. Milk of Lime’s third showcase featured a sinuous silhouette comprising jackets, billowing shirts, long skirts, and soft, wide pants that seamlessly blended construction with deconstruction, exuding a wistful and melancholic charm.
The collection revolved around a plethora of jackets, meticulously tailored to hug the body with defined shoulders. Some jackets appeared crumpled, others frayed, while some seemed pieced together, giving off a sense of reconstructed beauty. Verhaegen highlighted the refined roughness as a significant element of their poetic vision. The jackets, though cut in a similar fashion, each showcased unique characteristics due to the diverse materials used.
Milk of Lime takes sustainability seriously, utilizing deadstock fabrics to breathe new life into their creations. They often layer these fabrics, creating a mesmerizing effect akin to veils. Their trailing paneled skirts, combining lace, chiffon, and silk and linen jacquard, were particularly captivating. The predominantly black color palette, interspersed with what Ballardt describes as “non-colors,” evokes an enigmatic quality, as if draped in a layer of mist.
Verhaegen and Ballardt’s vision for Milk of Lime is a refreshing departure from the norm, championing honesty, craftsmanship, and poetry in an industry saturated with superficiality. With their unique blend of construction and deconstruction, the duo is carving out a niche that celebrates the artistry and storytelling inherent in fashion. As they continue to push boundaries and challenge conventions, Milk of Lime is undoubtedly a name to watch in the ever-evolving world of fashion.
