Cue the siren: The models for the Clara Colette Miramon SS26 show emerge from an ambulance to strut down the catwalk only to pause on a hospital bed or pilates reformer. What imagery.
Let’s take a look inside the Clara Colette Miramon SS26 show, shall we?
To The Left, To The Left
The Berlin label showcased its newest collection titled “Care” on the first day of fashion week at the Rosenthaler Straße, right around the corner of Platte. It was almost comical how everyone – myself included – made a beeline for the store and had to be redirected “to the left” by the team. A quick walk down the street, past check-in and there I was amidst the crowd that came to see what new designs Clara Colette Miramon had to show us. The weather: 27°C. No wonder, everyone who had got standing huddled as fast as possible onto the dark side – I mean shaded. Kudos to those who quickly grabbed a drink at one of the cafes that were lined up behind the rows of the catwalk.
Doctor, I Got A Heatstroke
16:20: Cue the sirens. An ambulance? Did anyone faint from the weather that surely felt warmer than the forecast wanted to make us believe? No! The first model emerges, making her way to one of the three hospital beds and pilates reformers lining the street, aka catwalk.
More models follow her, performatively providing first aid on one another or showing off what they learned in their last workout class.
As the show goes on, I can’t help but wonder what makes me perspire more: The sun or the looks strutting down the catwalk. Mini lab coats, lacing elements reminding of straitjackets, nurse’s caps and heels with long socks – the sun is hot, the looks are hotter. The colours: Whites, mints and greys – the classic Clara Colette Miramon colours, woven into leisurely yet sexy silhouettes.
Sharing Is Caring – Or Is It?
Now with the set design, the collection title “Care” and the designs showcasing elements of doctor’s coats and scoliosis corsets in mind, it seems evident that the models are being portrayed as caretakers, but then what about the makeup? Dark under eyes and redness create a tired, exhausted, maybe even sick look which immediately brings up the question: Are the models the caretakers or the ones in need of the care? When does the taken-care-of turn into the caretaker and vice versa? Was this a critique of the healthcare system or a reminder of the silent battles people fight every day, which they put aside in order to be present and of help to others while completely neglecting themselves?
Reformers As Mascot Of Resilience
Clara Colette Miramon is known for female empowerment and decoding traditional gender roles, focusing on the woman, and celebrating femininity away from the male gaze. My opinion? This collection was an ode to the unseen work of women taking care of everyone around them without ever prioritising themselves. Applause to the strength and resilience it takes, which was perfectly visualised by the reformers, because let’s face it: Too many (men) think (reformer) pilates is not a real workout – until they go on the torture-looking-like device themselves.And the best part is: While those who laughed at the “reformer” might’ve once dismissed it as feminine fluff, they now see its strength, just like the women who carry the world quietly on their backs.
Furthermore, I also understand this to be a critique towards the healthcare system and the overworked staff at healthcare facilities around the globe, from highly esteemed institutions to those struggling with a lack of governmental funds.
As I have not spoken to the designer personally, I don’t know if that was the intention, but that is what I got from the collection, and in the end, the message is just as important as what is perceived by the audience, isn’t it? Fashion is always political and I for one find nothing more fascinating than a bold statement. What do you say?
