FW02 “Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia)” Long Sleeve

Raf Simons FW02 “Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia)” Long Sleeve Pullover. Highly sought after and one of Raf’s most celebrated collections. Just as we did with SS03 Consumed, the following will deconstruct, to our best ability, an interpretation of this season in attempt to bring weight to the collection’s merits and hopefully convey its aesthetic value. This is especially relevant due to the amount of interest surrounding older Raf Simons collections.

Virginia Creeper is a vine flowering plant in the grape family, known under the scientific name of “Parthenocissus Quinquefolia” or “virgin ivy”, is commonly found in midwest to east coast United States on bricks, gutters and other vine adhering urban objects. Raf Simons used this plant as a mascot for the “Virginia Creeper” collection as a symbol for the duality of nature or as Hapsical puts it:

“The implication was clear: at a time of global crisis, mankind cannot even find safety in nature, which remains as powerful a force as ever, despite the spread of industrialisation and capitalism.”

Furthermore this motif was applied on college sweats and varsity bombers as Raf showed a fascination with American college/highschool apparel. The runway featured a setting inside a forrest with a crimson key light which established an ominous tone. Out came models layered in baggy puffer jackets, sweats, bondage straps, ponchos in muddy, earthy tones.

For this piece “Virginia Creeper” is arced over a bush of five-fingered vines with the scientific name written beneath the graphic. The acid treatment of this fabric will wear and tear at an accelerated rate in accordance to the theme of the FW02 collection, making each piece uniquely molded to the wearer(s).

9/10 condition. Pristine. Size 48 fits a medium well.