And, at Camiel Fortgens FW26, a room too.
Walking up the stairs at Camiel Fortgens’ PFW presentation reminded me of visiting my (non-existent) French aunt. The room filled with unknown people participating in conversation. The voices and sounds of our daily (fashion) lives echoing through the cluttered, but classy, French apartment.
And with no announcement the models fluttered by. Seamlessly blending into the crowd and the apartment, though something felt different. The professionally-lit garments looked defamiliarizing through the eye of the beholder. Like secretly watching through a neighbor’s window, invading privacy in the best way possible. The beauty of normality illuminated––much like the collection, everything perfected, but with a raw edge. The nonchalant layering reflecting the layers it takes to build a cozy home. Leather, wool, cotton all consciously placed. The soundscape clicking and clacking and piano-playing and drilling, diffusing with the Parisian sounds outside. The collection felt desirable and the setting made it easy to daydream about yourself wearing these beautifully crafted clothes. A classic staple with a slightly alienated twist. Truly selling a chique European lifestyle. Camiel Fortgens is one of those rare brands where you actually want to buy yourself into the entire ethos of what they’re selling.
Images courtesy of Camiel Fortgens
Words by Pilar Madimin
