Lucian Matis proves that we all go a little mad sometimes

Lucian Matis proves that we all go a little mad sometimes

The opening look from Lucian Matis's spring show (Photo by Jenna Marie Wakani)

You’re right, Lucian Matis: an entire week of fashion makes us a little crazy, too.

Friday was the final night of fashion week runway shows and featured our Romanian prince of fantastical frocks, who held court with a cohesive, if sometimes precious, spring collection with jesters in tow.

Surely after days of eager crowds and poker-faced spectators we were in need of comic relief, which would explain the large watercolour clown print on the opening dress, followed by similarly relaxed silhouettes, shape-altering blouses and slim draped numbers. And if the sight of a clown hadn’t already drained the colour from our faces, Matis rendered his headgear-adorned models in hospital wall pastels, right down to the scraps of fabric that acted as bandages for his muses’ feet. No need to convince us—runway walking is a dangerous game.

But if gorgeous neutrals and heather grey jersey just seemed too subdued for a Matis show, he compensated with the hardware: a dizzying array of studs, chains, and Olympic medal–size pendants that turned his girls interrupted into dainty warrior princesses. Whether this armour would protect their fragile state remained to be seen, but we’re almost positive that ample figure skating–style rhinestone encrustation didn’t help Nancy Kerrigan much.

Still, our brave but damaged troops couldn’t fail with a mighty sack dress anchored by thick straps and a one-shouldered red carpet–ready classic with a protective skin of silver sequins. After all, they had to please their queen, who was in the house: model turned actress Monika Schnarre provided the show’s coda in an elaborately layered gown in white and pale blue—unfinished edges continued the gauzy, bandaged narrative.

Right again, Lucian: six months of blood and sweat needs more than a week to heal. But obviously the battle is part of the fun.

See all the looks from the collection below.