WHERE IS WONDERLAND?: WEARING ROSEY & VITTORI
"Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here? That depends a good deal on where you want to get to." - Lewis Carrol
Photographer: Aldrin Klaase
Art director: Jan Ernst de Wet
In this experimental fashion shoot, we explored the notions of 'journey' as a destination with Cape Town-based brand, Rosey & Vittori. In most depictions of Wonderland, the emphasis rests on the ethereal and awe-inspiring character of the fictitious place and the mythical creatures that live there. Instead of re-interpreting the well-kept gardens and grandeur of the Red Queen's empire, we shifted the focus to the adventure and fantasy of trying to find Wonderland and the emotional whims of an ever-changing environment.
This is also how they define their brand's philosophy. Because the fashion industry is constantly re-inventing itself to something more unique and exciting, it's of great importance to make sure their designs do the same. They achieve this by engaging with universal trends, but set themselves apart from the homogeneity and blandness of big retail mass production by giving a "high street spin to urban classics." - R&V
Photographer: Aldrin Klaase
Art director: Jan Ernst de Wet
A prime example of this is, and also my favourite piece is the black blazer with red tassels and brass buttons. The blazer's cut expresses the eminence and elegance typically associated with high-end formal menswear but challenges the convention with a series of flamboyant tassels that reminds one of Napoleon Bonaparte's military wear dating back to the French Revolution.
Another would be the blue snake-skin patterned jacket encrusted with studs and crystals. This piece combines collar and sleeve details of original American football jumpers with a cut that is more rigid and structured. The beauty of this item lies in the impeccable detailing of stud-work on the shoulders applied by hand. This piece dares to be bold, brave and daring, and had this been around at the beginning of the 90's, it would surely hang in the wardrobes of Michael Jackson and Madonna.
Photographer: Aldrin Klaase
Art director: Jan Ernst de Wet
This visual amplification of texture and pattern was further explored in the backdrop of the photographs. Four distinct settings were chosen to depict the various stages of the journey and the emotions linked to the uncertainty of moving from comfort to unknown. It was a given to have the shoot in a natural environment to aid in communicating the idea of travelling, but also to set itself apart from the richness of the clothing.
"Historically South African men's fashion has always fallen behind womenswear. But the obvious shift in culture, social influence and eagerness to experiment shows its intention to change and grow at an incredible pace." - RV
Photographer: Aldrin Klaase
Art director: Jan Ernst de Wet
Where is Wonderland is a culmination of exactly that. Referencing the work of experimental photographer Tim Walker, many visual clues came from the dark, mysterious and obscure character his work very often projects. These ideas were further influenced and moulded by the ever-changing pop-culture which is Instagram and Facebook and married with the absurdity of the individual.
Rosey and Vittori are at the forefront when it comes to challenging the norms of menswear and reshaping the way we look at male fashion. Their work combines and balances all the elements such as line, texture, colour and form into singular items that make for exceptional design. It's the studded shoulders, hand-knitted quilted jersey and technicolour dream jacket that not only gives this brand its unique identity but also reshape the fashion industry.
