Paris Fashion Week
Asquin X Amber Ambrose Aurèle
Jörmungandr, 2023
October 1st is the fashion show from ASQUIN X Amber Ambrose Aurèle in Paris.
ASQUIN’s third fashion show, presented for Spring-Summer 2024, took place at Consulat Voltaire, a brutalist and industrial looking Parisian venue fostering celebration, culture and art, echoing the ideas of destruction and renew addressed in this collection. It is entitled ‘JÖRMUNGANDR’ after the incredibly large sea serpent from IXth to XIIIth century Nordic mythology. Also nicknamed “World Serpent”, it is a symbol for destruction and renaissance.
This season, true to its concept of mixing show pieces with ready-to-wear, ASQUIN develops more mature and solemn silhouettes. ‘JÖRMUNGANDR’ tells the story of the hatching of the egg, the reptile’s molt, its decline and rebirth. It uses the image of the snake to talk about the human body and its changes, through a powerful and sensual wardrobe
Backstage photo Amber Ambrose Aurele
Eighteen of the twenty-four shoes for the fashion show where created in collaboration with Dutch designer Amber Ambrose Aurèle. Renowned for her sculptural, edgy, and elevated creations.
Amber Ambrose Aurèle translated the immortality of serpents and eternal power of fierce feminine warriors into a range of high heels; ultra feminine ankle boots to thigh-highs in a number of colors and materials complimenting the main collection.
This collection showcases leathers but also eco-friendly PU, and even real scales in the use of eco-responsible fish leather by a French tannery. Top quality Sea Leather has been chosen in reference of scales in both serpents and fish.
The designs result in structural objects – resembling pedestals that carry our warrior models.
The concept behind Jormungand is from Norse mythology. Jormungand is a serpent that is large enough to encircle the earth and hold onto his own tail. As the story goes, when Jormungand lets go of his own tail the earth will end. For that moment we need to create warriors.
Amber created two types of warriors.
The showpieces are 6 variations and based on a strong silhouettes and powerful iron point details in the showpieces reflect the feeling of impenetrable armor. It evokes the question who is on the receiving end of this weapon when blades point dangerously towards the wearer’s own foot soles. The contrast of fatale and fragile are prominent in these catwalk designs.
And then there is the limited-edition commercial collection; this comes in 3 different designs, with a total of 3 colorways: Black, Silver & Red. Crafted from PU, leathers, and fish leather veneer, the abstract shaped pair is juxtaposed with a barely there clear resin heel; giving the illusion of models walking on a melted drip. The block heel shape invites a powerful walk while spotlighting the fragility of the melted embellishments.
Backstage photo Gabriel Francez