The Cape

Marloes Blaas & Severina Lartigue

 

When Blaas and Lartigue first meet, the designer shared her vision with the craftsman by showing her ancient pictures of families from the postwar years. At this moment, a real connection takes place putting the two women on an equal foot in terms of creation and inspiration. First, the sepia-color panel strongly echoes with the inspirational ancient photographs one could find in a grandma’s attic or in dusty boxes on a flea-market. The idea of a shawl, which pops up on several pictures of women, constitutes the starting point of a fruitful collaboration. The symbolism of the cape speaks for itself. Postwar women show how femininity and comfort, elegance and convenience can be combined: a shawl warms you up, and at the same time leaves your arms free to be active, work or care for the children. This garment could reflect the idea of a mother who protects her family by chaperoning them under this imposing piece of fabric.

 

The subtle work of Lartigue – a floral garland around the colloar – is in good balance with the imperial textile and design of the cape. By incorporating these poetical elements, the garment becomes accessorized, showing that women don’t necessarily need to sacrifice elegance to still feel at ease in their clothes. Knowing that wearing accessories during the war was challenging and considered an act of provocation, the two women clearly convey a strong point of view.