“I am the spirit within you. I am balance and harmony. Seek me in the tumult of fear and anguish and I am soothing balm what will heal. I am the spirit within you. I am one part of you that you may reject at times and yet you cannot exist without me for I am you and you and I are one.“
Austrian designer Rebekka Ruétz dedicates her powerful Fall Winter 2024 line to the state that makes art indispensable – a state of everything and nothing. Therefore a clear and energetic collection has been created. Worth of mentioning is also the fact the designer focuses on the highest ethical and social standards. The label stands for the highest quality- and environmental standards.
The colour palette of this collection is dominated by strong, expressive tones. It is ranging from the hypnotic allure of midnight black and Iceland green to gracious ocean blue, smooth fossil and the pure character of polar white. These striking nuances are then illuminated by the bright glow of rich gold, striking silver and the eye-catching vibrancy of neon yellow. In the final picture each look begins to pulsate. The designer often pairs a few colours in one look. That way a highly dynamic overall picture is created. Sometimes sneakers in eye-popping chartreuse are paired with rather dark tones and that way a very eye-catching look is fabricated.
The creative creations of this line can be interpreted as a story full of contrasts: solid, protective silhouettes team up with subtle textures and sheer lace. These outfits are then paired with opulent golden and silver accessoires. As cooperation partner for her jewellery, Bijou Brigitte was chosen. The jewellery choice is a very individual one as well, for example often several necklaces are worn over each other. By choosing these unusual combinations, Rebekka Ruétz stays true to her signature style consisting of the most unique material mixes. Contradictions become visible and are celebrated. However this range should not only look good, it also plays an important role for the designer that the wearer feels comfortable when choosing these designs. Fabrics such as hand-picked lace in all its facets, fine organic cotton & organic denim, vegan leather and the specially designed, smoky print make it easy to feel comfortable when wearing these styles.
“With every new idea, my boundaries disappear a little more, to the point where I dissolve into everything and become something bigger.” declared Rebekka Ruétz to explain the ideas behind her design process.
Worth of mentioning is also the very special detail-awareness and creativity of this line: for instance carefully selected leftovers from shoes appear in her looks. In addition to that, asymmetric details, cut outs and zippers play a central role as well. Belts and gloves are provided with zipper details. Therefore they appear in the most unique ways. It is incredibly inspiring to observe the wide range of creative ideas behind this line. Needless to mention, they are certainly one-of-a-kind. As accessoires, often smartphone cases from Catesify, are added. This choice underlines both the practical yet edgy approach.
This show has been a part of W.E4. Fashion Day. The purpose of this show day is to sell a certain amount of tickets and donate the proceeds for a good cause. This season, Rebekka Ruétz decided to donate her proceeds to “LebensHeldin! e.V.”. It is the first non-profit organization in German-speaking Europe that supports patients for a new start after breast cancer. The aim of this organization is to help women who fell ill sothat they can lead a happy life again. As the process of this desease often includes traumatic experiences, this organization tries to help them to get mentally strong again. It then tries to strengthen their energy, courage and life joy again. Since its foundation in 2018, it has been awarded for several times.
Both the hairstyles and the make-up of the models are worn in a rather natural way. That way the focus stays on the modern amazons’ looks.
“I AM the spirit within” is a highly creative, extremely individual and powerful collection that captivates us due to its very special detail-awareness and the use of its highest quality-, sustainable fabrics.
Review by Sussan Zeck for DSCENE Magazine
Runway: Andreas Rentz / Getty Images for Rebekka Ruétz
