Dutch duo delivers, Viktor & Rolf exhibition is a must-see

It's the first time in the UK that Viktor & Rolf have been the subject of an art exhibition. The Barbican Art Gallery is well set to display the evolution of the duo that never cease to amaze the fashion world with their couture shows that always have a dash of performance art mixed in. Each couture show is exhibited in its own section with a running video of the show projected behind the human-sized dolls carrying the signature pieces of each show. The meticulous detail and attention that obviously went into the dolls become obvious when you realize that the dolls look like replicas of the models on the video (except of course for that Dutch mannequin pudginess). Apparently V&R even requested that the dolls' hair got styled in the same exact manner as that of the models from the original runway.

Having gone through the exhibition, V&R represent more performance art than fashion for me, as their ideas tend to be charged with an ideology, and hence the couture shows tend to be more of a statement than just a display of the finest craftsmanship and latest chic designs. But that's also why none of their couture shows are boring. I found myself watching every single runway video to absorb it all, giggling intermittently at the bravery and creativity of the designers. Words can't explain the work of this duo so do yourself a favor and get a ticket immediately.