Isabel Marant FW21

I recently had the rare opportunity to dress up for a socially-distanced outing in New York City amid the coronavirus pandemic. For the unusually warm winter day, I didn’t have to think twice about slipping on one of the most uplifting numbers in my closet: an Isabel Marant statement fuchsia midi dress with gathered sleeves. The frock is telling of the French luxury label’s signature aesthetic, which was created to channel the effortlessly chic vibe of a Parisian party. The same goes for the fashion designer’s Fall-Winter 2021 collection, unveiled on Friday, March 5 during Paris Fashion Week.

For the season, film director Simon Cahn shot a three-minute film in a multi-level open-air parking garage on the outskirts of Paris. The location gave the footage an otherwordly feel, which was entirely in line with Marant’s vision. The driving force behind the FW21 collection is, as Marant put it in a recent interview, “the 1980s in 2030 fabrics.” It’s this marriage of the past and future that she finds both endearing and powerful. “More and more, I feel like there’s not one trend but different ways of approaching fashion,” she continued. “The more diverse it is, the more interesting it is for me.”

In the film, models Adut Akech, Mica Argañaraz, and Loli Bahia among others don the label’s wares for the upcoming season: guipure tops and dresses, shearling boleros, and embellished belts were, in a welcome twist, teamed with high-shine vinyl, leathers, and pops of neon. According to a press release provided to GRAZIA, Marant’s creative process involved looking to the past to overlap eras strategically and elegantly. Two periods that she specifically fused were the folk and libertarian spirit of the 60s (represented by Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin) and the Gabber techno scene of the 90s. The result? Perfect post-pandemic party wear (even if it’s just to dance around your living room—no judgment!)

Ahead, click through to experience all 48 looks from the Isabel Marant FW21 collection.

 

And below, press “play” on the video to watch the label’s show in full.