A tale of resilience, a momentum of incertitude and trauma revived in our collective memory. As in an exodus of hopes, we seek the light. With “Magma 76,” Creative director Vincent Frédéric-Colombo deconstructed the unknown narrative of the eruption of La Soufrière in Guadeloupe in 1976.
First, there was a location that was nowhere to be found. Posted at Porte De La Chapelle, looking like a street vendor of sim cards and Nokias 3310, I desperately inquired for a sign from the Beyond. Left and right, navigating through the alleged recommendations of passersby, a C.R.E.O.L.E. tee caught my attention. As survivors, perhaps a premature immersion to the collection, guests pulled up gradually at the venue all smiles – yes we did it.
A metaphor for resilience and renewal – the collection reflected Guadeloupe’s enduring spirit in the face of natural adversity. “The Art of Escapism,” we are delving into a portrayal of Caribbean identities and personas – as if we were to run away pronto – yes, we all want to look fly. A quest for pluralism and diversity at the core of the storytelling with the oversized silhouettes, delicate broderie anglaise, and pan-African influences through the spectrum of queerness. C.R.E.O.L.E. crafted an immersive storytelling punctuated with the tempo of the traditional rhythms of Guadeloupe’s musical and cultural ambassador Akiyo.
“Flawless sexiness,” as designer Vincent Frédéric-Colombo conceptualized it – all eyes were on the swim briefs, adorned by gold-medal-finalists-like mannequins, embracing our inner desires on how to perfect our summer beach attire…and more. An ode to boldness resonates with the profusion of colors and Caribbean vibrations celebrating the cult of the carnival season. The Madras fabric – a symbol of cultural resilience and visual representation of the Caribbean’s kaleidoscope of traditions – is transposed brilliantly into a tracksuit. A mad crush for the re-enchanted durag embroideries, the holy grail of black couture.
Through strength and resplendence, “Magma 76” celebrated the Caribbean essence – an impetus on idealism to honor our cultural heritage and embrace the future. A reflection on the human spirit’s capacity to endure and flourish despite any predicament.
