Simon Cracker’s latest collection critiques luxury fashion, showcasing upcycled designs that reflect a shift in consumer values and creativity.
Their designs are made from recovered and deadstock materials, and they even took a playful jab at the iconic Birkin bag. You know, the one everyone goes crazy over? They drew the bag’s hardware on leather bags and printed its image on sweaters.
Co-creative directors Simone Botte and Filippo Biraghi were thrilled when Walmart released a bag that looked a lot like a Birkin while they were working on this collection. Biraghi expressed that people have lost interest in fashion, feeling like they’ve been taken for a ride for years. With so many global issues, he believes there’s a disconnect between price and value.
The collection also features quirky pieces that humorously represent the typical Milanese woman, known as sciura. Each outfit is unique, crafted from garments sourced from dry cleaners and other places. The models strutted down the runway with a relaxed vibe, showcasing their funky styles.
They even collaborated with Doc Martens, adding a twist with ballerina shoe designs. Some pieces were made from shiny packing materials, and the show ended with a garment covered in luxury tags from Biraghi’s own wardrobe. He said, “We are making fun of wealth.”
This critique comes at a time when the luxury sector is facing a downturn. A recent study revealed that top brands are experiencing a slowdown after years of growth. Biraghi noted that if a garment doesn’t tell a story or spark creativity, it just doesn’t matter anymore.
Italian singer Chiara Galiazzo was in the front row, dressed in a vibrant outfit, and she shared that she felt a sense of community with the brand. She said it was important and a lot of fun.
