The emerging designer celebrates the elegant curves and folds of the body
Looking outside-in, Fashion Week can appear inclusive and often seeks to be a “ground-breaking” event for change. However, that said diversity largely remains to be a spectacle for the runway (only), with actual inclusive fashion straying far away from the clothing rails themselves. Karoline Vitto, Fashion East‘s emerging talent, is here to change that. The Brazilian artist claims space for plus-size representation in a light it has practically (and shamefully) never been seen before – every piece is like a poetic ode to the body in all its shapes, folds and creases.
Vitto’s exquisite craftsmanship places the body as the centrepiece to create art around; and materials follow, as she makes even metal look soft. Monochrome colour palettes (ofc, this is FW’22) and body-hugging silhouettes accentuate that, making her work speak for itself. Vitto’s designs are also built on practicality: toggle details and adjustable pulleys are elegantly interweaved into the pieces to fit any size and an individual’s proportions. Drawing up from her upbringing and 90s/2000s minimalism (a period particularly marked by the idolisation of thinness and unrealistic beauty standards), Vitto’s debut collection opens up a long-overdue conversation and calls us to love all parts of ourselves. Simply striking.
Words by Evita Shrestha
