Luxury is reimagined in Altuzarra’s Fall/Winter 2o22 collection, an intricate display of the meld between reality and fantasy. Drawing upon a framework of sea explorers and nautical creatures, the collection boasts colorful patterned fabrics, textured layers, and mythical accessories that point to a story of exploration and discovery. Every day pieces combine with statement innovation to reintroduce the label as a powerhouse in forward-thinking design and versatile fashion.

Held in New York City’s historic Woolworth Building—which doubles as the location of Altuzarra’s studio and headquarters—the ceiling was adorned with motifs of fish scales, sea creatures, and small sailboats, an ode to exploration and fantasy.

“This season I was inspired by the ocean, seafarers and the myths and mysteries of the underwater world,” said Joseph Altuzarra. “I wanted the collection to not only evoke the intrepid and adventurous spirit of sailors and world travelers, but also the mystery and darkness of the ocean’s depths, populated with mermaids and mythological creatures.”

Staples of the collection include a traditional sailor marinière, designed in sweater form and finished in thick rib knit. Maritime history is introduced with peacoats donning oversized shearling lapels, weathered knitwear, and mother-of-pearl fastenings. With a nod to to the 1920’s comes a selection of eveningwear with inspiration taken from mythical femininity and aquatic creatures. Pleated dresses are enhanced by geometric prints resembling shells; hand-tarnished coin embellishments transform busts and take shape into fully embellished gowns, symbolizing mermaid scales.

Altuzarra’s multicultural identity is apparent through the theme of world travel, as global artisans are employed for a range of technical adornment including a rug motif inspired by the tactile artistry of handwoven Moroccan Berber rugs, Shibori tie-dye reworked onto knitwear separates in collaboration with Japanese craftsmen, and a kilt skirt inspired by the Scottish Highlands and finished in vegan leather.

Accessories add to the narrative as the signature Watermill bag is redefined in a backpack silhouette with cactus leather detailing. The braid bag is back in new seasonal colorways in deadstock suede, and the Play bag features delicate shearling detailing. Shell and coin embellished rope belts that enhance the feminine silhouette are added to the looks, which are all complete with platform footwear that moves the brand forward into a promising future.

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Originally posted from “V Magazine” by Anika Ljung