In celebration of the opening of the world’s first-ever Brick et Mortar store in NYC, MM6 Maison Martin Margiela held a private preview for his  Spring/Summer 2013 Collection on Saturday, September 8th at an unknown, nameless office building in Chelsea. The room was wrapped in white draping that hung from the ceiling to the floor, and event staff was dressed in white lab coats.

The presentation started with a video of models strutting through an empty white space, with soft music playing in the background, as though you were asked to ‘walk into the light’ – especially with all the event staff dressed in white lab coats – it kind of felt like one was in an ‘institut margiela’ for fashion crazies.

Margiela brought out a very feminine, casual collection in shoes, garments and accessories. A youthful and contemporary line in which prints, soft volumes and ease played key roles. These garments draw their inspiration from, and lend themselves to the more casual moments of life, often with a humoristic twist.

His collection had a deconstruction theme with most pieces having raw finishings, undone neck bindings, criss-crossed drawstings, rough metals and bonded silks. He was able to play up the military look by adding metallic’s and flourescents to the garment color pallete. He also brought out a sporty sophisticated faux denim themed group, light grey group and printed group.

Models rocked transparent or colored PVC ankle boots, florescent wedges, pastel espadrilles and camouflage high-top sneakers. Accessories were chunky and oversized metal jewelry. Although with a heavy appearance, they were actually light and hollow.

If I could label the collection I would say military chic astronaut – clear shoes, faux denim shorts, camouflage top with a heavy knitted sweater made of gauzy yarn and silver metallic trench coat. It had a futuristic, naturist feeling. Flashy, yet subtle with raw finishes; sporty, yet feminine with a splash of hot pink.

– Anaisabel

Photos via MM6 Maison Martin Margiela by Matthew Carasella