Artist Kennedy Yanko recently immersed herself in the world of haute couture, attending Maison Margiela's Fall 2025 show in Paris. This experience transcended a typical fashion event for Yanko, serving as a profound intersection of her artistic sensibilities with the distinctive vision of creative director Glenn Martens. Her journey, from the intimate preparations in a luxurious Parisian suite to the captivating spectacle on the runway, offered a unique perspective on the intricate artistry and conceptual depth embedded within the realm of high fashion. The collection, characterized by its daring blend of contrasting elements—strength and delicacy, defined structures and flowing forms—deeply resonated with Yanko's own sculptural practice, highlighting a shared pursuit of tension and balance in their respective crafts. This convergence of art and fashion not only showcased the transformative power of couture but also underscored the reciprocal influence between different creative disciplines.
The anticipation for Maison Margiela's Fall 2025 haute couture presentation was palpable as artist Kennedy Yanko prepared in her elegant Le Meurice suite. The historical Parisian hotel, with its lavish decor, provided a fitting backdrop for the artist's first foray into the high-stakes world of couture fashion. Donning a meticulously curated ensemble by Margiela, featuring elongated gray gloves and the iconic Tabi pumps, Yanko expressed a playful yet profound connection to the experience, likening it to a sophisticated dress-up session that simultaneously reflected her mature artistic identity. Her personal style, described as a fusion of 1930s cinematic glamour and vibrant Miami flair, seamlessly integrated with the avant-garde essence of Margiela's designs.
Yanko's ensemble for the evening—a cashmere sweater subtly revealing a shoulder, a delicate sheer lace skirt, and a perfectly aged oxblood leather bag—epitomized the quintessential Margiela aesthetic. She noted how the clothing's interplay of sheerness and texture, its simultaneous rigidity and fluidity, echoed the very principles governing her own sculptural work, which often explores the dynamic tension between materials like metal and paint skins. This philosophical alignment between designer and artist fostered a deeper appreciation for the collection's narrative and execution.
The Fall 2025 collection, orchestrated by the visionary Glenn Martens, unfolded at Le Centquatre, a vast industrial space transformed into a surreal tableau. Martens, known for his Flemish romanticism, drew inspiration from Northern European cathedrals, infusing the designs with ecclesiastical grandeur. The runway showcased corseted silhouettes, ethereal veiled figures, and rich textures reminiscent of 16th-century Flemish interiors. Techniques like trompe l'oeil brushstrokes, inspired by Gustave Moreau, turned human forms into living canvases, while a daring combination of crushed velvets, antique brocades, and re-purposed plastics created a visually stunning and conceptually rich tapestry of fashion.
Among the collection's highlights, two particular looks left a lasting impression on Yanko. Look 10, a golden, heart-shaped skirt intricately woven with metallic threads and adorned with vintage floral leather wallpaper motifs, exuded an aura of Renaissance splendor, suggesting narratives of aristocratic intrigue. Equally striking was Look 38, an otherworldly, sensuous floor-length jersey gown featuring a built-in corset that appeared to seamlessly merge with the wearer's form. Its cascading draped sleeves and a dramatic, medieval-inspired necklace of emerald costume jewels created a provocative yet divine image, embodying the very essence of Margiela's boundary-pushing creativity.
For Kennedy Yanko, the journey through Maison Margiela's couture show was more than an observation of sartorial excellence; it was a testament to the enduring power of creation. The experience reinforced her belief that couture, in its purest form, is not merely about fantastical garments but rather a celebration of skilled artistry, an act of subversion, and an eternal exploration of craftsmanship, one exquisite stitch and sculpted form at a time.