JOIN US BACKSTAGE OF RONALD VAN DER KEMP'S SHOW THROUGH THE LENS OF ELSA GOUDENEGE

words by NATALIE GAL

Seeing the designs of Ronald van der Kemp is always a special experience, particularly for us, as he is a Dutch designer who studied in Amsterdam before making his way onto the scenes of Milan, New York, and of course, Paris. His works now appear on icons such as Lady Gaga, Kate Moss, Selena Gomez, and Katy Perry. So, there was no denying our excitement to see what he would bring to the runway this season.

What made the show all the more exciting was the significant collaboration with Thayná Caiçara and a group of indigenous artisans and embroiderers from Brazil.

Van der Kemp transported us to an "enchanted garden," with pieces that felt as though they had stepped out of a new edition of "Midsummer Night’s Dream." The collection, titled ‘The Call of the Wild’, was a clear homage to Mother Nature and her overwhelming beauty. It was, in true couture fashion, eccentric, over-the-top, and majestic.

Among the standout pieces were the Thayná Caiçara fine jewelry rainforest bird choker and a full-on moving tree sculpture dress built on a corset. A captivating coat with cape sleeves featuring individual handwoven art collages made from various vintage trimmings, feathers, and petite trinkets. Or the "twiggy-style" mini dress adorned with crochet lace and pearl beading. Not to mention the biomimicry bomber jacket with mousseline strips in brown, cream, and salmon.

The entire collection felt like a powerful reminder of nature's grandeur, whether it was the misty rainforests, the kaleidoscopic waves of color from tropical birds, or the indigenous traditions deeply rooted in the balance between human and nature. This collection serves as a reminder of what we stand to lose if we forget to care for our natural world and refuse to treasure it.