Spring Summer 2021
The Spring Summer 2021 collection came to life as the world around us changed. Reflective of the moment and the environment in which he was living, Joseph Altuzarra explored the poetry that exists in the concurrence of freedom and restraint. The notion of opposing emotions—fear and happiness, alienation and comfort, sadness and joy; many of which Joseph was feeling while designing the season—became a symbolic expression of the uncertainty we face while simultaneously informing a collection that is desirable right now.
Drawing on Dune, a futuristic science fiction novel that examines the relationship between man and nature, Joseph leaned heavily on the notion of drapey, soft, and earthy garments that were described throughout the tome—a starting point for the collection.
Set against the raw backdrop of the space, the collection combines divergent emotions of ease and polish, expressed in a range of designs that evolve through the show. Joseph embraced volume for Spring in new shirtdress and skirt designs, along with a classic trench updated with ballooning sleeves. The cathartic silhouettes meet restrained volume through wrapping, darting, and billowing yet refined peplums. Knits were rethought with wrapped bodices, cold shoulders, and self-covered multi-button details that offer versatile wearability. Committed to sustainable innovation in design, the collection includes a colorful knitted capsule that upcycles deadstock fabrics from past seasons, creating one-of-a-kind pieces.
The iconic Altuzarra suiting is reimagined with an ‘80s influence on tailoring and proportions: drapey and oversized blazers, wide-leg pants, and adjustable belts to nip the waist and reign in volume. As the collection progresses, the silhouettes become unbound ending with unabashed, liberated volume in a double layered handkerchief hem dress.
For Spring, Joseph worked with humble materials, sculptural volumes, and minimalist prints while drawing on varied textures to add a hint of imperfection. Grounding accessories include braided platforms, a caged raffia tote for Summer, reversible textured totes, thick belts that were constructed with more flexibility and ease, and Swarovski crystal pearl caged body pieces.
Credit Information:
Photography by Timothy Nesmith / Courtesy of Altuzarra
With the exception of the below five images:
Look 11, 18, 28, 35 and 41 Photography by Jonas Gustavsson / Courtesy of Altuzarra