GAILLARD VIVANT
Gaillard Vivant is probably one of the most interesting brand I discovered while in Berlin. Founded in 2014 by Antje Burckhardt who had previously worked for several theatres, opera houses and for film – and dance productions, GAILLARD VIVANT is an avant-garde neoclassical unisex brand. Antje explained to me that the brand focuses on an innovative, casual interpretation of the classical tailcoat to establish it as gender fluid must-have.
The garments are mostly made of high-quality denim, a surprising choice which reveals the unconventional nature of these contemporary tailcoats that break free from their old-fashioned connotation. Drawing from a decidedly steampunk repertoire, the collection perfectly mastered the difficult and nuanced synthesis between modern style and influences from the Victorian era. The result is staggering and terribly sleek.
Above is a perfect illustration of what I mean by synthesis between modern and Victorian. The Neo-Victorian mix between contemporary cuts and techniques and historical silhouettes is brought to perfection. The waistcoats, coats and tailcoats constitute a stylistic grammar entirely their own. The clothes work, and they work well.
A cardboard dog on a leash held by a timeless dandy wearing oversized deep-blue trousers would be laughed at in theory, yet, look at the beautiful coat. Its cut and print are worthy of the greatest couture coats.
A revisited denim tailcoat worn with converse and plain white tee-shirt. The proof that anyone can wear it anywhere !
