SUMMER/SPRING 1998
Season Coverage
As eccentric as ever, Walter Van Beirendonck put a start to his W< S/S 1998 collection with his subjects converging together mid stage in the form of a mass line dance. The models sported flamboyant colors in everyday-wear silhouettes topped by streamlined cattleman hats to accentuate the country aesthetic. Once the cowboys completed their walks, an intense mood and music switch enveloped the runway as reptiles clutched the floor. The models were transformed with dark and running eyeshadow as their faces appeared to be akin to a snake. Garments of scale-like patterns and dragon imagery wrapped their bodies as they made way for another model archetype. Incognito white faced figures stood above all strutting on large stilts. These figures wore an assortment of wardrobe genres, displaying tailored white suit blazers, tight fitting graphic t-shirts, long sleeved pink dresses, and even large wonky wigs paired with scads of sequin. This segment gave way to the finale of the show, a gala of models donned with green gas masks and rubber evening gloves. A large scale choreographed partner dance routine ensued as these masked participants showed off the final looks.