Walter Van Beirendonck crafted his spring 1997 collection around a set of characteristically oblique ideas including immigration, the gradually blurring lines of real and imaginary, and, most viscerally, the trend of aliens in Hollywood TV and cinema, including Men In Black, The X-Files, and Toy Story. The now Oscar winning costumes and makeup from Men In Black were a direct inspiration for the show; the film’s title was embroidered into pillows gifted to attendees alongside the word “Mystery,” and the season’s moniker, “Welcome Little Stranger.” The first section featured a black palette of PVC, rubber, fishnet, and mesh, creating a severe and dystopian futuristic image far bleaker than the versions Walter had been previously associated with. The latter sections were more playful, with neon color patterns and models exiting the arena, where their walk continued through trafficked streets. The final section contained young boys and girls in colorful outfits, and hats hand-knit by the ten year old sister of a popular pattern maker, Elke Hoste.

The hat shown above comes from that final portion, and is naturally a hand-knit piece.

Condition: 9/10. No significant flaws.