The fall 2024 runways saw a resurgence of Futuristic Fashion, with designers like Rick Owens, Junya Watanabe, Dion Lee, and Louis Vuitton showcasing collections with distinct sci-fi influences. Eerie spotlights and otherworldly set designs contributed to the overall atmosphere of otherworldly elegance. Many designers drew inspiration from the original Space Age designers of the 1960s, such as Pierre Cardin and André Courrèges, resulting in a blend of retro and futuristic aesthetics.
Other prominent names in the realm of futuristic fashion include Coperni, Iris Van Herpen, Balenciaga, Mugler, Fendi, and Stéphane Rolland. These designers explore a range of futuristic visions, from dystopian landscapes to minimalist utopias, often blurring the lines between extremes. The enduring influence of the 1960s continues to resonate in contemporary fashion, serving as a timeless source of inspiration.
Rick Owens describes his fall 2024 collection as “cashmere spacesuits to wear in a concrete spaceship,” an aesthetic he has cultivated for years. His fascination with futuristic imagery stems from childhood, fueled by science fiction novels and illustrations by Frank Frazetta. Owens’ designs often evoke a sense of heroic survival in an uncertain world, imbued with a touch of poignant camp.
This fascination with the future extends beyond individual designers. Throughout history, cultures have envisioned their own utopias, from the ancient Egyptians to the Italian futurists of the early 20th century. This enduring human fascination with what lies beyond continues to drive space exploration and influence artistic expression.
The Space Age designers of the 1960s sought to revolutionize clothing in an era defined by NASA and the promise of a new future. Their innovative approaches to design continue to inspire contemporary creators. Iris Van Herpen, for instance, drew inspiration from the futuristic underwater structures envisioned by Jacques Rougerie for her recent collection.
Van Herpen emphasizes the importance of technology in her work, seamlessly blending traditional couture techniques with cutting-edge methods like 3D printing. While acknowledging the creative potential of technology, she also cautions against its potential for control and misuse.
Nicolas Ghesquière, known for his futuristic inclinations, envisions his designs for heroines of both science fiction and everyday life. His shows at Louis Vuitton often feature elaborate sets reminiscent of extraterrestrial landscapes or space stations.
Coperni, a brand with futurism ingrained in its DNA, consistently pushes the boundaries of fashion and technology. Their runway shows have incorporated elements like spray-on dresses, robotic dogs, and iconic imagery from “2001: A Space Odyssey.”
Coperni’s founders believe that creating clothes for the future is the essence of their work, viewing science fiction as a form of predicting and shaping tomorrow’s reality. Their innovative use of materials, like NASA’s silica aerogel in their Swipe bag, demonstrates their commitment to pushing the boundaries of fashion innovation.
Junya Watanabe’s fall 2024 collection, though not explicitly futuristic in intent, showcased geometric structures that evoked a sense of sci-fi aesthetic. Watanabe acknowledges the subconscious influence of science fiction on his work, drawn to the extraordinary and the beauty of the unconventional.
The enduring appeal of futuristic fashion was further solidified by Zendaya’s appearance in a vintage Thierry Mugler robot outfit, styled by Law Roach. The look generated significant media buzz and underscored the power of futuristic fashion to captivate and inspire.
The iconic film “Metropolis” continues to be a touchstone for designers, exploring themes of man versus machine and the allure of polished, gleaming surfaces. These themes resonate with contemporary anxieties surrounding artificial intelligence and the potential replacement of humans by robots.
