To say that the events of the last year have been challenging would be an understatement, and it is clear that many industries have fallen victim to the pandemic, one of them being fashion. But, with angst and hardship comes inspiration, and this is exactly how the leather maker-turned-fashion brand Berluti created its newest collection. Offering us an artistic commentary of the pandemic with “Living Apart Together”, Berluti enlisted the likes of Artistic Director Kris Van Assche and video director Antoine Asseraf to bring us a digitally-staged art installation that was showed in both Paris and Shanghai. Along with creative consultant Yoann Lemoine – better known as Woodkid – joining the team, the show proved to be a meeting of creative minds.

The creative collectives offered us socially-distanced imagery and a digital show fused with the physical adaptation of artist Lev Khesin’s work laced throughout the designs, offering a juxtaposed narrative throughout its entirety. Social symbolism is rife during the digital display, proving that fashion can hold both meaning and aesthetic value.

The collection was comprised of rainbow ombré shirts, all varying in hazy watercolour colourways, with mohair sweaters splattered with dreamlike Monet hues. And who could miss the vibrant bell-shaped bucket hats acting as beacons of brightness amongst the looks. Tailoring was key with an array of suits, jackets and trousers – offered in the block colours synonymous with Khesin’s work – adorning the models in a truly fitted form, with a splashy ankle here or there. With the brand being renowned for its foundations being built by four generations of shoemakers and the later addition of leather goods, the classic Berluti shoe and quilted leather jackets are a staple addition to the collection. With the promise of art, culture and fashion, Berluti’s Winter 2021 collection was definitely not one to miss.