Celebrating his 10th anniversary, Hong Kong-born designer Robert Wun reaffirmed his creative vision by exploring the theme of ‘Time’. His latest collection skillfully blends homage to the past with a daring new direction, marking a significant milestone in his design evolution.
Robert Wun Fall/ Winter 2024 Haute Couture Collection
“The collection explores the concept of time’s impact on the transient world,” stated the press release. Wun immersed himself in themes of impermanence and fragility, presenting gowns adorned with red beading reminiscent of the muscular system, ghostly grayscale suits, skeletal armor, and iridescent veils adorned with jewels. “From the skin to the bones and the soul, it’s a progression of stripping away, both physically and spiritually,” the designer remarked.
Robert Wun Fall/ Winter 2024 Haute Couture Collection
Set to the evocative soundtrack of Hayao Miyazaki’s film scores, models floated down the runway amidst decaying flowers, flames, and galaxy motifs, symbolizing the cycle of death and rebirth with the changing seasons. Wun’s designs blend consistency with creative innovation, exemplified by updates to his signature pieces like singed wide-brimmed hats and frosted umbrella accessories, symbolizing winter and reflecting the tension between novelty and craftsmanship.
He expressed a desire to contemplate “why I’ve been in this for so long, why I still want to continue, and for how long.” Using these questions as a foundation, he crafted a collection of unique, extravagant showpieces. “I questioned why I pursue fashion and what time signifies,” he explained. Did he find an answer? “Yes, I did. The answer lies in accepting that everything eventually concludes—and that’s alright.” For Wun, embracing the limitations of time sparks creativity; he reasoned that the best way to give meaning to time is to cherish the moments one has on Earth. “It’s a cliché to say we should live in the moment, but truly, what we do can only be done once, so it’s best to enjoy it regardless of success or failure.”
Robert Wun Fall/ Winter 2024 Haute Couture Collection
To translate the concept of time passing into tangible garments, Wun envisioned the progression of seasons. The collection opened with a striking black gown paired with a crystal-embroidered veil, symbolizing “the first snowfall,” he described. “Winter, a season that encourages introspection, served as my starting point.” This wintry motif also appeared as a white layer on a slender, flowing coat that appeared torn and then delicately repaired with a technique reminiscent of kintsugi, creating a craquelure effect from which butterfly appliqués seemed to emerge—perhaps an allusion to hope or beauty blooming from decay.
Robert Wun Fall/ Winter 2024 Haute Couture Collection
In the collection’s exploration of time’s passage, the final four looks symbolized the stages of skin, flesh, bones, and soul, evoking a gradual shedding, both physical and spiritual. Particularly striking were the representations of flesh and bone. The flesh was a form-fitting sheath in deep red, entirely adorned with bugle beads sewn upright like spikes rather than flat, creating a weighty garment (weighing 40 kilograms) that couldn’t be hung. “I aimed to convey the impression of muscles emerging from the body,” explained Wun, known for his affinity for horror themes—a penchant evident in the depiction of bones. A sleek black jumpsuit was adorned with a half-skeletal mannequin that ominously swayed with each step, offering a rather literal interpretation.
Robert Wun Fall/ Winter 2024 Haute Couture Collection
The representation of the soul, however, provided a redeeming contrast. It appeared as a flowing gown veiled in layers of tulle intricately embroidered with countless tiny, shimmering multicolored crystals, casting a magical glow in the dimly lit venue. “The soul transcends mortality,” remarked Wun. “It returns to the universe.”
Robert Wun Fall/ Winter 2024 Haute Couture Collection
Robert Wun’s Fall/ Winter 2024 collection is definitely one of my favorite haute couture shows of the season. His signature blend of architectural shapes and avant-garde futuristic aesthetics crafted by innovative materials and intricate construction techniques is highly praised for their combination of artistry and wearability. This undoubtedly makes his garments as one of the highest-sought gowns for the red carpet by celebrities and influencers.