Yves Saint Laurent first showed the revolutionary 'Le Smoking' Tuxedo as part of the A/W 1966 collection. This ready to wear suit was bold in androgyny, with sharp, clean cut shapes, previously only adorned for the likes of men. So, why is this relevant now and what's a design from half a century ago got to do with today?
There was a clear vision that Yves Saint Laurent wanted to put across, and it involved the empowerment of women. Even the composition of the advertising campaigns highlighted this concept. A young woman, stands independently in an alleyway at night, in a stereotypically male outfit, suggesting the emergence or beginning of a new, independent woman. This mould breaking campaign, of course, was controversial at the time- with cases being reported of women being refused entry into restaurants if wearing such an outfit.
But todays issues of empowerment cannot be solved by simply dressing as the opposite sex. Today, the interconnected world needs empowerment from not just social factors, but political, environmental and economical factors too. Ready to wear and fast fashion is on a new level compared to that of the circumstances in which Yves Saint Laurent created 'Le Smoking' Tuxedo. For this reason, it's up to contemporary fashion designers to find a new way to empower women and American based VETTA Capsule Collection is aiming to do just that.
The concept is simple, yet unbelievably effective. Five staple items, which when combined, can create up to thirty different, effortlessly elegant outfits. This ingenious concept from VETTA allows for garments to be subtly manipulated to achieve different effects, allowing women, of all shapes and sizes, to adapt their outfits as desired. As if it couldn't get better, VETTA also prides itself in using eco-friendly materials and fabrics. It's safe to say that empowerment has a new face and it's a fresh face, promoting comfort, style and all round environmental goodness. Besides, what could be more empowering than sporting outfits which will not only stand the test of time, but support the relevant environmental issues of today?
It's not quite the dramatic, androgynous concept made popular by Yves Saint Laurent back in the 60s', but this fresh face of empowerment could potentially hold the key to unlocking a whole new way of fashion. Partners in crime and work, Cara Bartlett and Vanessa Van Zyl, came up with the concept in an attempt to change the impulsive shopping habits of todays throwaway fashion culture- habits which are said to leave women feeling as though trends are constantly leaving their wardrobes behind, resulting in the purchase even more low quality items, made in unethical working conditions.
VETTA's ethically considerate capsule collection of versatile staple items can help to promote sustainable fashion, allowing them to rise above unethical practices in many fast fashion stores. These clothes will stand a test of time, and even some of the tailored silhouettes are reflective of the sophistication demonstrated in 'Le Smoking' Tuxedo, embodying timeless class and sophistication.
Today, empowerment is about the bigger picture. How can we better ourselves for the wider world around us? If we can translate such messages through something as obvious as our clothes, then how can an individual not feel ethically empowered by their outfit choices everyday? The future of fashion is simple but more powerful than ever.
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