HENRIK VIBSKOV | SPRING / SUMMER 2013

Henrik Vibskov has been pushing the boundaries of fashion and showmanship since he began designing and displaying collections for his namesake brand. Starting his fashion career working alongside Bernhard Willhelm, Vibskov has gone on to lead the way in theatrical fashion displays, while tailoring his own signature style; the oversized silhouette, optical prints, layering and the ability to inject a sense of fun into day-to-day ensembles.

Henrik Vibskov show-goers can always expect a surprise, and, true to form, the designer didn’t disappoint. Even before the models took to the runway Vibskov already had his audience captivated. Squeals of delight were heard when a giant inflatable tongue unravelled on the catwalk. When the tongue took shape it became clear there were dancing figures entwined within it.

The idea for the tongue transferred from set to collection. “We put the idea of taste buds and the movement of the tongue into the prints, and the taste buds became the polka dots,” Vibskov told Dazed Digital. “It is quite a free process for me so I start with an idea and then it mutates throughout the design period.”

The models who followed – an all black casting – were dressed in soft separates poked with holes which gave the Spring / Summer 2013 collection a breathable, sporty vibe to it. Large, bold prints brought and bamboo carriers drew upon tribal influences. His digital prints were so bold they touched upon the hyper-real, and his loose fitting silhouettes crossed the gender gap seamlessly.

Elsewhere Vibskov’s menswear often looked as if it were inspired by pop art. Small polka dots were featured heavily and set off against bright cobalts and rosy reds. His sportswear style jogging bottoms came in grey and were dip-dyed aquamarine blue at the ankles. Bowler hats and an array of eccentric straw headgear added a sense of surrealism to Vibskov’s latest collection.

- Ellen Stewart