The image I have chosen was from a book ‘House of Viktor & Rolf’ By Caroline Evans and Susannah Frankel. This book shows the collections throughout the years in which designers Viktor Horsting and Rolf Snoering have created. Reading the book about the “Upside Down” collection fascinated me as to how they showcased the couture pieces. They had garments presented that was worn by two models showing one upright and one upside-down, on the catwalk they first showed the correct way and then the other. The whole collection was presented in reverse. Starting the show with the final parade of the models.  It was also characterized by satin flowing shapes contrasting to masculine tuxedos. The most important part that really stood out to me was when they presented the show in reverse, Viktor and Rolf breaking boundaries and really standing out as unique designers.  [1]

Further research, I found an article relating back to the ‘Upside Down’ Collection. Viktor and Rolf as designers they always like to take their collection to another level which I’ve always admired them for that. Siebe Tettero was an interior designer who worked on the upside-down store basing it on a traditional Parisian couture salon and had a 19^th century French boudoir interior. The colour palette for the design successfully worked to balance out the strong upside-down architecture, balancing the calm colours with the bold shapes. I wanted to research into other artists and designers that have done the similar concept of turning objects upside-down. Although when I researched it not much came up with the result. However, I found a photographer named Martin Tremblay who also worked in the upside-down concept capturing models in a non traditional way of posing, the idea brings the fashion to the foreground which is forcing the viewer to focus on an unusual juxtaposition. [2]

Finally, we were asked to identify a museum or archive that broadens my understanding of the
image and object. Using the internet, I was able to access the archives of the V&A which I found
a page about the founder of haute couture. It was said in the archive that Charles Worth is known for creating the fashion show, in which he presented his clients with collections of his designs around 4 times a year. He is an English dressmaker who has made dresses for Queen
Victoria. With the help of this online source, it allowed me to extend my knowledge of how the world of fashion shows started. It was interesting to know that fashion shows have been around for so many years dating back to the 1800s. [3]

References:

[1] – Photograph of upside down garment, House of Viktor & Rolf, Photograph by Mario Sorrenti, Published in V, No 9, Spring 2006

[2] – Photo: http://khaleejesque.com/2013/03/art-design/viktor-rolfs-upside-down-store-in-milan/

[3] – https://www.vam.ac.uk/articles/the-fashion-show