AW 2000-01

This collection was concentrated on the idea of a horse; a major source of inspiration both for its power and its elegance. A horse is a very feminine creature in its movement and in its regalia. The mane flows in long, lustrous and graceful lines like a woman’s hair. It is a natural beauty with lavish eyelashes. The way in which a horse is manicured and saddled for dressage is similar to how a woman readies herself to go out.

I remember the first interview following the show: “So you see women as horses?” the editor asked. She didn’t understand.

This was not the case with Anna Wintour, who came to visit our showroom to view the collection from close by. Following which, we were invited alongside other great talents, including Olivier Theyskens, Veronique Branquinho, Hedi Slimane, Nicolas Ghesquire, Viktor & Rolf, Junya Watanabe, Josephus Thimister, Roberto Menichetti, Miguel Adrover, Hussein Chalayan, and Lawrence Steele, to participate as the “new garde of the millennium” in a photo shoot with Steven Meisel. After the shoot, we were all welcomed to a private dinner at Ms Wintour’s personal residence. As young designers, we didn’t realize what an honor it was, but now we know better.

afvandevorst 2000-01 afvandevorst 2000-01