Holzweiler roped us in with fringe and fine knits for its skydive-inspired collection
There is something unquestionably cool yet romantically nostalgic about the Norwegian cult brand Holzweiler. Showing their spring/summer 2023 collection during Copenhagen Fashion Week, the brand invited guests to take in a thrilling display for the adrenaline seeker inspired by pulse-increasing outdoor activities like skydiving. "We wanted to make a collection where movement was the main inspiration behind the garments, technical fabrics, loose straps and prints with motion blur," said creative director Maria Holzweiler ahead of the show. Continuing the brand's affection for the movement we saw in last season's dance-inspired corsets, this season, the brand swaps the boned bodices with the parachute harness to similar utilitarian effects.
It was, in fact, the concept of a parachute that first piqued Holzweiler's interest when sourcing inspiration for the collection. "The details in the collection are inspired by the motion of a parachute – its beautiful lightness, the technicality of its aerodynamics and a protective quality," the designer explained. "We looked at details like the harness of a parachute, creating seams and straps that are reminiscent of this but playing with a slightly more feminine, slim silhouette that drapes the body." Parachutes also influenced the accessories this season. There are metal hardware elements across the accessory designs, a nod to the little details you would find in parachute gear; buckles on backpacks and chunky chain necklaces made in tiger eye and malachite. Tassels on bags and belts add extra movement, while pinapok straw hats inspired by parachutists' helmets worn and designed by Noel Stewart were spotted on the runway
The juxtaposition of Holzweiler's feminine side, seen in soft yellow florals and delicate draping, and the more technical aspects of nylons and rope braided belts merges two distinct aesthetics, smashing any preconceptions of what can and can't be combined in a collection. Outerwear, in particular, delivered some of the more impactful moments during the show, with the final look seeing Danish supermodel Mona Tougaard laced into a jacket with a draped parachute dramatically trailing behind her along the runway.
See the full collection below:
Holzweiler SS23
