Meryll Rogge AW23
Welcome to The Fashion Bowl. Although that was not the official title of Meryll Rogge's AW23 show, it really should have been. From the moment you walked down into the underground tunnel you knew you were in for a treat. The double doors opened to a time capsule, a beautifully maintained 80s bowling alley in the middle of Paris. Who knew?! A nostalgic soundtrack played, I could not get Billy Idol's "Eyes Without a Face" out of my head for days.
Models walked around the bowling alley, weaving in and out of the seating arrangements. At first they were shy to bowl but once everyone warmed up a bit it was game on! I have never been to such a fun and interactive show, it really put everybody in such a wonderful mood. The champagne and beer free flowed, the energy was high vibrational and the fashions were quirky, amusing and light hearted. This entire show was my magical moment number 6. I have had a handful of magical moments during Paris Fashion Week thus far, but this show really was the cherry on top.
Sporty streetwear that echoed design details from the European club kids of the 1990s adorned each model. Design inspiration from a time way before they were born but are lucky enough to enjoy again in its essence due to the recollections and imaginations of the gatekeepers of the latch key kids generation. Brightly colored unitards in bubblegum pink and quilted oversized ski suits were paraded around. Red satin rosette bloomers and oversized varsity v-neck sweaters were paired with yellow rose patterned spandex unitards. A pink satin dress slightly reminiscent of Molly Ringwald's "Pretty in Pink" prom dress sauntered around the alleys. I absolutely adored the mock neck sports top and oversized patterned parachute skirt.
Everything about this collection was fun. The presentation was like being invited to a holiday party with fashion school kids. Red plaid appeared on dresses and several separates. Models were bowling and having beers. Show attendees were also invited to bowl in between snapping pictures. This interactive photo shoot presentation was so enjoyable I stayed until the very last minute. The brand did their job magnificently, I am completely obsessed.