words by DEBORAH DRENOFCI
Maison Margiela and Gentle Monster join forces for the fourth time, with a new collection launching on 29 October. This time, “Deconstruction” sets the tone - familiar shapes paired with irregular proportions. The result brings together the innovative spirit of Gentle Monster and the deconstructive magic of Margiela across 68 pieces.
images courtesy of MAISON MARGIELA X GENTLE MONSTER
Of these, 43 are sunglasses and 25 optical frames. The deconstruction theme runs throughout, with parts that appear crushed and reworked. One pair takes it furthest. Scratched and crooked, it looks as if it had already lived a few lives before reaching the shelf. The variety of cuts is the real gem here. An unexpected twist at the temples adds a sophisticated allure, while oversized styles become a fashionable shield. Narrow cat-eye frames come sheathed in tightly stretched leather. Margiela’s signature four white stitches appear at the temples, and on the slimmer styles, they seem to float over the edges of the frames. From dark tones to tortoiseshell, olive green, silver and gold, each finish carries its own kind of cool.
The campaign’s short film, directed by Alex Prager, turns the collection into visual storytelling, capturing chaos, rush and the idea of deconstruction with real chic. The protagonist, in thick black sunglasses, rushes through the city to meet someone. She trips and falls, and an older woman checks on her through oval, sleek optical frames. Here and there, the frames appear on the people she crosses paths with, each pair its own character.
To celebrate the fourth collaboration, pop-up spaces will open in eight cities around the world, from Seoul to Le Marais in Paris. There is nothing a good pair of sunglasses can’t fix, and this collaboration proves it once again.
