Raf Simons AW1998 Spiderweb Sweater
Raf Simons AW1998 Spiderweb Sweater
Many of the pieces from “Radioactivity” derived their narrow, uniform cuts from the New Wave music scene, specifically pioneering electronic artists like John Foxx, Kraftwerk, and Ryuichi Sakamoto, all whom employed rigid, traditional tailoring to express conformity and a looming monoculture brought about by rapidly advancing technology. Even when Raf Simons employed heavy leather trousers and exposed zippers on his biker coats, he left the silhouettes almost too rigid to breathe, and at other times covered models’ faces with blank moto helmets.
The elaborate spiderweb knitwear which graced the runway was perhaps the season’s highlight. Their raw asymmetry stood from the otherwise clean lines of the collection. The tops took numerous forms and shapes, with some wrapped around button-ups, while others clung to the pale bodies of the models. This particular iteration is see-through with a long and slim cut. It’s crafted with a unique material blend of leather, mohair, and cotton.
Condition: 7.5/10. Light marks of discoloration on the front hem. An unoriginally placed hole (1.75in) has formed on the front side, but it does not take away from the look of the sweater.
Tagged size: 46
Shoulder: 17in
Pit to pit: 19in
Length: 29in
Sleeve: 26in