Études’ Examination of Time and Place

Études, the Paris based brand with a multidisciplinary vision, is back at Paris Men’s Fashion Week with a ready-to-wear collection. In collaboration with artist Batia Suter, Études created a collection centered around geography, with a variety of references to l’Île de la Cité and more broadly to Parisian style. 

Courtesy of Vogue Runway

With a mix of workwear, streetwear, and formalwear, this collection managed to capture the colorful variety seen on the streets of Paris in one capsule (and sometimes, in one look). While the collection was centered around Île de la Cité, the small island on the Seine that marks the heart of Paris, these looks would be at home in any Arrondissement. 

Trench coats and puffer coats worn together, oversized woolen coats paired with athletic zip-ups and rubber boots, or workers jackets worn with satin pants all showed off the dichotomous nature of Parisian fashion. The playful combinations pay tribute to both the more formal, conservative French style and the new edgy, rule-breaking trends of Parisian street style. 

Courtesy of Vogue Runway

By using images provided by Swiss artist and archivist Batia Suter, Études showed how their focus on multi-media art enhances their work. Embroidered, patched, or laser-cut images added depth and intrigue to otherwise simple pieces.

The looks in this show were primarily mono or dichromatic, which was a smart decision , as it allowed focus to be drawn to the wide contrast in texture, material and style of the pieces. 

While this collection is not particularly groundbreaking, it is an excellent example of how art can be used for philosophical reflection. In this case, what is examined is a changing city; Paris, on the crossroads between tradition and modernity, luxury and utility, is effectively captured in these pieces. While certainly esoteric, the ability of the designers to truly encapsulate the essence of a landscape is a worthwhile experiment in multidisciplinary art making.