Normally a fashion show that lasts 30 minutes would test your patience, but not when it’s wrapped in an electrifying dance performance about the human condition that leaves you gasping, and stifling tears.
So bravo to Y-3 for a pulse-pounding, life-affirming experience that was also a nifty way to showcase how its spring collection not only looks good, but can also take a bruising.
Kudos to choreographer Kianí del Valle, whose athletic troupe covered every inch of floorspace in the central nave of Palais Brogniart, working up one helluva sweat and telling stories with their bodies about ostracism, connection, compassion, resilience, fraternity and impossible love – all particularly poignant as the show coincided with Pride Day in Paris.
Yohji Yamamoto, who was in attendance and bobbing his head to the pummeling breakbeat score, forged his collaboration with Adidas more than 20 years ago, and keeps Y-3 moving with the times.
A Puerto Rican, Berlin-based choreographer, del Valle has worked with the likes of Billie Eilish and Bad Bunny, and on Saturday night she did a brilliant job orchestrating a spectacle that didn’t shortchange her art, or the clothes.
You found yourself rooting for the couples in elongated black shirts, feeling the empathy of the dancers in green tie-dye coats and T-shirts, recoiling initially at the preening posers in pinstripe team jerseys, and then dabbing your eyes as a lone figure first convulsed in sand, and was then rescued and lifted to the heavens.
This is the second time Y-3 has worked with del Valle, and they are conjuring Pina Bausch for new generations weaned on activewear and EDM festivals. It was a fashion moment to savor, and remember.
