PATCHWORK

At this season's prestigious Spring/Summer 2020 haute couture shows in Paris, Melissa shoes collaborated with the famed Dutch couturiers Viktor&Rolf to create a collection of shoes that were a creative riff on the classic Melissa "Possession" sandal: a patchwork of 3D lace florals are placed randomly over the surface of the shoe, with Melissa's intricate attention to detail. 

The result is a sandal that is not only beautiful - it's also super fun. Viktor&Rolf were able to merge their seasons's theme of sustainability and "patchworked" fabrics with the ecological Melissa shoe and a special "wicker" bag shape – crafted from Vegan recyclable plastic – in a variety of pastel tones.

Loosely inspired by Viktor&Rolf's childhood memories of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s ‘Little House on the Prairie’ and Denise Holly Hobbie-Ulinskas' eponymous '70's illustration character, Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2020 has an air of soft poetry and innocent romance. Fitting in perfectly with the current trend of Romantic Optimism, we are sure you will fall in love...

INTERVIEW WITH VIKTOR&ROLF 

Photo Credit: Philippe Vogelenzang 

How does Viktor & Rolf connect to the Melissa universe?

Melissa’s outspoken and unconventional design approach fits with our brand codes. Their universe is a space where art, fashion and design come together – that’s how we perceive our brand universe as well.

What did you intend to communicate to Melissa’s community with the new styles? How do you think the Melissa and Viktor & Rolf audiences will respond?

With this collaboration, we wanted to infuse romantic details into Melissa's iconic styles. With Melissa’s most iconic sandal, the ‘Melissa Possession’, we highlighted this through the ultrafeminine Broderie Anglaise lace detailing.

Viktor & Rolf embrace vanguard fashion references with a strong tendency for surrealism. How are these themes transmitted through Melissa / Viktor & Rolf?

The Possesion Lace sandal featuring Broderie Anglaise lace detailing and the lace bag with a wicker bucket silhouette are designed in a way that they refer to traditional materials but are executed in Melissa’s ‘Melflex’ vegan friendly material, making the overall look and feel surrealistic.

What were the inspirations for developing the collab’s patterns and colors?

The patterns and colours are inspired by our latest Haute Couture SS20 collection for which lace and pastel tones complement our look of the season.

Much like Melissa, the duo toys with people's connection nostalgia and dreamscapes. How are these sentiments expressed in the products?

The ‘Melissa Possession’ sandal is a true nostalgic sentiment by itself, we transformed it by adding our signature surreal twist with a touch of romance.

How Viktor & Rolf connect with Melissa’s sustainability practices and its importance in fashion?

We are deep into our exploration of conscious design and we adamantly apply this practice to our collections and cobranding projects. We are keen to learn from our partners, and Melissa is a pioneer in creating products with positive practices.