A Different Familiar
All images and video courtesy of MM6 Maison Margiela
2020 brings contrasts; we can't help looking back as we look forward, continually reminded of the differences in life then and now. And MM6 represented this ingeniously for their SS21 collection with Tromp L'oiel accents, such a signature of the brand.
As the design team adopted their working practices from home, thoughts turned to the phrase 'the business end, and the party end' conjuring visions of worker bees in their corporate-wear as seen on screen with relaxed-wear concealed 'below desk'. Because today, the domicile becomes all things, a place to work, eat, love, sleep and play.
The SS21 film explored this concept further, depicting the duality of the dream, from practical reality to end vision. The team and the models, playfully lifted their arms to reveal tees with hidden backdrops, emphasizing this theme of reality and dreamscape. Garments challenged traditional silhouettes, spliced abruptly at atypical positions creating modular looks like a trench, shorn to become jacket and skirt for the new normal. Opposites were drawn together in unexpected pairings. And clothes were not what they seemed in other ways, offering hidden looks within from the dress that folds origami-like offering the option to readjust to a more form-fitting look or high-waisted trousers that unclip and slink onto the hips.
“Familiarity askew is an underlying device throughout, creating surprising twists on MM6 archetypes through scale, surface and silhouette.”
Tromp L'oile brought textured accents to nude crepe, and the MM6 logo made it from backdrop to garment. Accessories complemented the collection; playing with proportions from totes with satchels stitched to them to oversized sunglass pouches and mesh jewellery.
As always MM6 studio found innovative ways to stay faithful to its ethos, and though this season required some introspection and simplicity under trying conditions, the result is ultimately experimental and wearable. Pared-back never looked so playful!!
See more of MM6’s collections here.
