Fri 5th January
The revival of Helmut Lang is gathering some serious steam under editor-in-residence Isabella Burley. No surprise really, considering the timeless appeal of the brand and the breadth of influence that Lang’s original work has held across not only fashion, but contemporary art and photography as well. Now, following from their Seen By The Artist series, Helmut Lang have teamed up with Exactitudes, the iconic photographic series begun in 1994 by Dutch photographers Ari Versluis and Ellie Uyttenbroek, which explores ideas of belonging and group identity through gridded typologies. From Rotterdam’s ‘Gabberbitches’ and ‘Combat Girls’ in 1996, to Beijing’s ‘Rockers’ in 1999 and Rio’s ‘Pitboys’, the series provides an intriguing cross-section of society, on the one hand a sobering realisation of our futile attempts at individuality, on the other, a wonderful and playful insight into social grouping. Now, to celebrate their re-edition and the brand’s cross-generational appeal, Helmut Lang have drafted in a selection of their most devout followers, including Kanye West and Solange Knowles, to appear in their own typology (“Helmut Lang Fans”) clad head-to-toe in Helmut Lang past and present. Whilst several opt for their own personal archive pieces (Kanye, obvs), select items from the forthcoming re-edition volume 2 get their first ever run out. Feast your eyes.
Re-edition volume 1 is available now online, Helmut Lang stores and select global retailers. Volume 2 will launch on February 6th – more info to follow.
