Robert Wun

HAUTE COUTURE SS23

FEBRUARY 2023

Text:
Mera Charles

Robert Wun, celebrated for his exceptional cuts, pleating, and choice of fabrics, recently unveiled a couture collection that pays homage to the little mishaps that can occur when one wears clothes. Wine spills, rainy days, and even burns were all showcased in the perfectly crafted garments, which were adorned with subtle 3-D feather and pearl details. One particular outfit even mimicked actual raindrops so well that only a close-up view on a computer screen could reveal that it was not, in fact, raining indoors.

Wun's collection took the concept of wearable imperfections and transformed them into something beautiful and highly intricate. Despite the nods to accidents and natural phenomena, the garments were crafted with exceptional skill and care, highlighting the designer's mastery of his craft.

Robert Wun refrained from showcasing his collections on the runway at fashion week since launching his label in 2014. However, after taking home the ANDAM 2022 grand prize, Wun was granted access to Bruno Pavlovsky, president of fashion at Chanel, as well as €100,000. This led to the designer’s acceptance onto the official haute couture schedule, placing him among heritage brands like Dior, Armani, and Valentino. For his first official couture collection, Wun explored the notion of fear, which stemmed from the pressure of having little time to pull everything together and self-doubt. The designer opted to turn fear into beautiful pieces, resulting in garments that gave the appearance of deterioration, from burned edges on a silk dress to "red wine" stains created using beetroot as dye. The collection also featured impeccably placed Swarovski crystals and unique make-up looks created by lead artist Mata Marielle, who gave each model their storyline. Tsunaina, Wun's close friend and collaborator, created an original score for the show, matching the ethereal mood of the collection.

The resulting collection, aptly titled Fear Couture, was a testament to Wun's impeccable craftsmanship and unique vision. From the burnt edges and wine stains to the delicate feather and pearl embellishments, each piece was a work of art that told its own story. And while Wun's focus on tailoring and attention to detail have always been central to his designs, Fear Couture took his creativity to a whole new level.

But the show wasn't just about the clothes. The music, composed by Tsunaina, added to the otherworldly atmosphere, while the makeup, created by Mata Marielle, gave each model a unique look that enhanced the storytelling aspect of the collection. The result was a truly immersive experience that transported the audience to Wun's world of fear and beauty.

For Wun, the experience of showcasing his collection on the haute couture schedule was a dream come true. It was a chance to be part of a tradition that has been passed down for generations, and to showcase his designs alongside some of the biggest names in the industry. But more than that, it was a chance to prove that he belongs among the best of the best.

As he told Vogue, "I’m also pleased to be part of a new wave of talent that’s representative of a, hopefully, more inclusive industry." For Wun, fashion isn't just about creating beautiful clothes - it's about telling stories and pushing boundaries. And with Fear Couture, he did just that.