Over the last 2 centuries, the female outfit has been enriched by a lot of new items. It is now very common for women to wear pants or blazers for example. Fashion would not be what it is today without the apparition of those types of garment in the women’s wardrobe. On the other hand, for men, the last 2 centuries have witnessed the slow disappearance of some very interesting items. I found very sad for example the almost total annihilation of the cape. I think I sometimes saw a cape on a catwalk but as far as I remember, I never passed the way of a man wearing such piece of clothe.
I decided last winter to try something. I made myself a long, big cape, that I would wear in many different occasion, cocktail party, art opening, streets, cafes,… The reaction of peoples was quite interesting. Most peoples loved it but could not help trying to find something to refer it to. They would usually refer to Dracula (I shall maybee sun tan a bit more) or to XIXth century European nobility. I was a bit surprised that nobody referred to super-heroes, which are the most typical XXth century cape wearer. It was probably due to the black color and very tailored cut of the cape.
The XIXth century relation was matching very well with what was in my mind when I designed this cape. It is a part of my Automne-Hiver 09/10 collection, which is very much about romanticism. This term shall be understood here in it’s XIXth century meaning, which is miles apart from the modern-soap common understanding of romanticism. It is more a Georges Sand romanticism than a Pretty Woman’s one, that I had in mind. Creating this cape, I would think of Lamartine going back to the Bourget Lake to put together his memories of Elvire, I would think of the Wanderer Above The Sea of Mist by Friedrich.
Though I was in this very mood when conceiving this garment, I would not design it as just a quote of some ancient thinkers. As all of my works, it would have to be definitely anchored in the world we live in, it would have to be able to find it’s place in our today’s world. I firmly believe that this cape could easily take part in a modern man’s wardrobe. It has a little bit of drama but is sober enough to make this drama dealable with, it emphasize the stature of the silhouette, giving it a powerfull dimension. One that would wear this cape would be challenged to be comfortable enough with it’s own position to cope with the posture given by the cape, and to dare to bear the oddity implied by the usage of an item coming from some other age.
Adapting some timeless concepts to the life in today’s world, and trying to encourage peoples be more confident in their relation with society is a permanent focus on Le Divan’s design, and this cape is a good example of how apply this aim.
I love it !! I love the way you describe romanticism.
(you might need a photographer ( -_^ ) or is this on purpose ? )
The common misunderstanding about romanticism is one of my big frustrations with the society's lack of depth.
About the photos, I am actually very happy with the outcome of this shoot but, yes, I need a photographer, one that follows me all the time (or that is small enough to fit in my bag), that is creative, and that understands instantly what I want would be good enough for me.
While I like the idea of bringing the cape back (in fact I am quite strongly in support of such a move), I feel that the reason they may have compared you to Dracula is the very close cut of the cape, as well as the membrane like bits on the side, which appear similar to batwings.
I'm not trying to criticize your work at all (it looks quite excellent), just a statement that it might be a tad gothic for general use among people.
I love what you are doing and for this winter i want a cape, but i have no experance in makeing any thing like that...do you have any advice. Im a giant 6 foot 9 400 lbs male and want kinda what you have but less fitted and with out all the ridges..but bravo on your work and Viva La Capes!
I love this cape. I would like to know if you sell it, or any others? If so, for how much or is it special order?