For the SS23 studio collection, Henrik Vibskov investigates the elements of bridges – a construction born from the hands of humans, allowing the feet to touch where only birds used to inhabit. Now, a bridge acts as a transition from one place to another, where humans and birds can combine their spheres to be coherent in a moment of motion.
The construction of the bridge creates a timezone of before and after. Through its lifespan the structure has moments of congestion and abandonment. The brutalic materials of steel and concrete are able to transform into a romantic setting, making the structure become a universal icon for metamorphosis.
The silhouettes are inspired by the shapes and characteristics of bridges, where the body meets the construction when it arches and wraps itself around the human form. An homage to the hands that build – the collection reflects traces from the construction world in various elements, from silhouettes to details in the garments.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGMtHcA3Vnk
The prints take their inspiration from modular systems and distorted motives, using different scales to show abstract sensations or creating moving scenarios that differ from romantic to distressed. The birds are flying in between the collection, making the pants, dresses, shirts and jackets their nest.
The collection’s color palette references the colors of nature and the manmade, showing the contrast between the calming of the blue and green with the noise of the orange.
All fabrics and trims are evaluated based on their sustainable qualities, and the choices for the collection are made thereafter. The fabrics include organic cotton, recycled polyester and recycled PET bottles for padding in outerwear, Tencel made from upcycled cotton linter and cellulose fibers, European linen and virgin wool. Certificates include BCI (Better Cotton Initiative) and GOTS, plus Økotex for colors, dyes and prints.
Henrik Vibskov presents his SS23 collection with a video, inviting the viewer into a world of mystique and contrasts. Following the sound of the choir, the storyline takes the viewer through the different lives of different bridges that created the atmosphere for this collection. The scenes move in and out of the ‘build’ universe, containing bright colors and artificial life, and the real world of dimmed light and abandoned ground.
The title Bird In Face refers to the meeting point of human and nature. Henrik Vibskov went into a loop of drawing the idea of getting a bird in your face when passing over a bridge. Making the universe a bridge between human and nature, and letting this film become a bridge between the collection and the viewer.