THOM BROWNE’S TEDDY BEAR-FILLED RUNWAY REMINDS US: FASHION IS SUPPOSED TO BE FUN
Photo Courtesy of Back of the House
31 may 2022, for frame
Location
Design
Brand
Back of the House turned the label’s latest NYC show space into an ‘island of misfit toys’, tapping into joyful childhood-like theatrics.
Key features
Two female models opened an oversized grey door into Thom Browne's AW22 world, built up at Manhattan’s Jacob Javitz Convention Center. Conceived by Back of the House, the space was inhabited by 500 teddy bears dressed in Thom Browne's signature jackets, seated in chairs upholstered in the brand’s characteristic grey hue. Models promenaded around the stage to distract the the teddy bear and human audiences from staring at each other during the ‘Ted Talk’. The show was staged under the building’s open industrial ceiling, taking advantage of its natural light.
Frame's take
The rhythmic spatial tempo created by the teddies manifested the power of sequence, progression and pattern. From a symbolic point of view, there is no more powerful symbol of childhood than the teddy bear. Thom Browne’s AW22 show turned the audience back into kids for a moment, offering an environment defined by happiness and fun. Human-centric in an alternative way, the space was an important physical reminder to cherish childlike moments and be true to yourself. This kind of temporary, innocent excitement is so needed in politically and economically unstable times.