Dezeen Magazine

Clothes dissolve on the catwalk during Hussein Chalayan's Spring Summer 2016 show

Designer Hussein Chalayan's Paris Fashion Week show featured a catwalk shower that dissolved a pair of soluble outfits, revealing delicate garments underneath (+ slideshow).

Hussein Chalayan's melting clothes for Spring Summer 2016
Photograph by Dan Lecca

The presentation of melting clothes was part of the Chalayan Spring Summer 2016 show, which took place in the Salle Melpomène at Paris' Palais des Beaux-Arts earlier today.

A video posted by ELLE UK (@elleuk) on

Two models wearing white thigh-length jackets stood on small podiums within a large tray-like area in the centre of the catwalk. A low portion of ceiling was punctured by holes positioned above the models.

As water poured down through the gaps, the clothes began to disintegrate and fall away as if made from tissue.


Video showing Hussein Chalayan's Spring Summer 2016 show

The dresses revealed underneath were patterned with lines of thick black stitching and appliqué white petal shapes, each of which had clear jewels attached below.

Hussein Chalayan's melting clothes for Spring Summer 2016
Photograph by Dan Lecca

Chalayan is renowned for his experimental fashion designs. His previous collections have included two-in-one dresses that transform with a single tug and garments that emit laser beams. The rest of the collection comprised black-and-white designs, floral patterns, and red and camel-coloured outfits made from lightweight fabrics.

Hussein Chalayan's melting clothes for Spring Summer 2016
Photograph by Dan Lecca

Shoes with cylindrical wooden blocks for heels and leather uppers were tied to ankles using lengths of rope. A few mens looks also featured in Chalayan's predominantly womenswear range.

Hussein Chalayan's melting clothes for Spring Summer 2016
Photograph by Jason Lloyd-Evans

The Cyprus-born British designer celebrated his 21st year in business this year, and opened his first store in London's Mayfair to coincide with the anniversary.