
Damesjasje
This jacket is a perfect example of the Belgian designer Martin Margiela's conceptual opinions. Proportion and the contrast between 2D and 3D were the theme of both his spring and autumn collections in 1998. When not worn the jacket is completely flat. This effect is achieved by the jacket having the same two dimensional structure as a pattern piece. The arms are not set into the sides of the jacket, but cut out of the front. In keeping with the designer’s way of thinking, the presentation was unconventional, as would be expected. Margiela staged the scene of an auction house, in which the fashion house employees, dressed in white laboratory coats, held the clothes up for inspection. The clothes were presented on the thin, wire coat hangers used by dry-cleaners. Because the clothes were not worn by a model the flatness of the garments is accentuated and the role of the wearer is avoided.