WAXING GIBBOUS

Words Alexandra Stevens

Rafael Kouto’s designs float somewhere in the chasm between fashion and art. A recent graduate of the Basel Academy of Art and Design fashion school, the young Swiss designer release his debut collection earlier this year. Drag Me to the After Hour on the Dark Side of the Moon is made up of futuristic silhouettes, wearable art that is designed to be gender neutral. The Swiss designer is taking advantage of the shrinking divide between men’s and women's style by using loose cuts and intense draping to create unusual androgynous shapes.  

His lookbook features chopped up images of models in multi-dimensional masks and hats that often obscure their faces, their bodies enveloped in cocoon-like garments. Inspired by the phases of the moon, the collection mixes a wide range of silk screened prints and textiles, ranging from crinoline to taffeta. We got to chat with the up-and-coming designer about his creative process and inspirations. Continue Reading