Convoked by the sounds of roaring engines coming from backstage, the south-western desert scenery of Nevada adorned with Vegas-esque neon signs welcomes the audience to the reverie named “Sweet Rebel” by Dennis Diem. With the catwalk illuminated in mystical hues of electric blue, the models strut by in outrageous creations of a collection that appears to have been soaked-in-black leather, dipped-in-pastels and laced-with-romance. Wearing sky high heels, the models are flanked by shiny powerful motorcycles which cruise down the catwalk, adding an unmerciful amount of exhilaration to the spectacle.
The inspiration for this collection was John Waters’ 1990 film ‘Cry baby’, which is evident given the cleverly executed variations of the classic biker jacket and the bedazzled, deconstructed play on formal high-school prom wear. For the men’s wear of this collection Dennis Diem collaborated with Jos Jacob, a designer who is inspired by leather, bondage and the beauty of imperfection. Forming a complementing contrast to the ruffles, lace and beautifully crafted corsets which characterize Dennis Diem’s aesthetic, the fusion presents a clash of extremes, conceiving what could have been the love child of Marie Antoinette and James Dean.
