Closing Statements: Fall Fashion’s Best Back-Views
One of the lessons of the fall season is that grand exits can be as important as head-turning entrances; with the backs of garments being unexpectedly different from their fronts. This season, designers have showcased a fascinating trend of intricate and unique back-views that captivate and intrigue.
Backwards Styling
At Rokh and Dries Van Noten, the continuation of backwards styling from the previous year was evident. However, for fall 2024, the focus shifted to what Nicole Phelps termed as “different-coming-than-going construction.” This trend, more commonly seen in evening wear, was beautifully executed by designers like Tom Ford and Giambattista Valli.
Thom Browne’s Collages
Thom Browne wowed audiences with his collages of cloth wrapped all around the body. The Poe-ian refrain “Nevermore” graced the reverse of a ribbon-trimmed jacket, adding a touch of mystery and poetry to the collection.
Message-Sending
Jun Takahashi made a bold statement with messages embroidered on the back of garments in his menswear collection. One such message identified the wearer as a member of the “sad song lovers club,” adding a personal touch to the designs.
Hybrids and Time Travel
Chitose Abe’s hybrids played with the front/back dynamic, creating visually striking pieces that blurred the lines between traditional and modern aesthetics. Yohji Yamamoto took a nostalgic approach, looking back in time with his beautiful show featuring back bustles reminiscent of his earlier lineups.
Prada’s Two-Sided Designs
Prada’s two-sided designs seemed to bring fashion history along for the ride, merging past and present in a seamless blend of creativity and innovation.
NB: This season, our photographers have captured back shots at select shows. You can explore these images in the Detail tab on the Collections page for a closer look at the intricate and stunning back-views presented on the runway.
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