It had to happen, eventually: The day when, despite yet another fun show concept, the Sunnei fashion collection actually overshadowed the format.
The fact it coincided with a lineup that saw a collaboration with another industry’s player speaks volumes about the multidisciplinary approach founders Simone Rizzo and Loris Messina have always had, as well as their feeling that Sunnei is more akin to a design project than at the epicenter of fashion.
The duo took their guests to an industrial space of high-end carpet brand CC-tapis. Before the start a 775-square foot rug in Sunnei’s signature colorful striped patterns was rolled out, with some fancy shapes camouflaged in the plush flooring.
They vaguely resembled animals such as a frog, a butterfly or a hippo, and outlined the silhouettes of a handful of special pieces that were included in the collection. Crafted from striped rug fabric, these pieces were secured on models’ bodies via snap buttons, making them easy to take off.
Blurring the lines between fashion and home design isn’t new (think Hussein Chalayan’s fall 2000 “After Words” collection) but Sunnei put its own ironic spin on the idea. More importantly, the pieces easily blended into a convincing collection that marked another step forward for the brand.
Textured knits stole the show with their fuzzy look and soft touch, especially in long cardigans, Klein blue chunky scarves and a cream sweater and long skirt trimmed with thick fringe. The cocooning feeling was maximized Sunnei-style in giant puffer jackets that could double as duvets, while quieter options came in streamlined velvet proportions.
Satin introduced a contrasting shine in cut-out tops and oversized shirting, adding to the collection’s more formal undercurrent compared to the brand’s signature retro-athletic vibe.
A soundtrack that included voiceovers ostensibly of the models’ thoughts included some of the designers’ typical social commentary, such as model Federico saying: “The world is on fire and we’re talking about fashion? These people are so superficial. The blonde one in the second row, she thinks her review will change the world.”
Spoiler: it doesn’t.
