Altuzarra RTW Spring 2023

“It started when I read the book 'The Teachings of Don Juan', which is a book that launched the New Age Movement and published in 1968. It is about shamanism and entering the magic realm. I think it got me thinking about where can we find magic in our lives and at the intersection of reality and imagination. It was a kind of trip – almost a hallucinogenic trip,” Joseph Altuzarra said after his spring parade. The words of author Carlos Castaneda, along with those of Edward Abbey's "Desert Solitaire", kicked off the collection. "How can you take something so unworldly that feels so imaginative or so far removed from reality? That's what those pieces were."

It sounded complicated, but on the trail it was anything but.

"I really wanted this girl to go on a trip - I knew I wanted to start with a parka, and close with a parka and let it be that person who completely transforms through the process of the collection, added Altuzarra.

The effect showed on the catwalk through an evolution of strong sportswear with undone elements designed to "mirror those of intrepid explorers" - as in a conspicuous slim blazer over a classic navy crew neck jumper and striped button down with matching full skirts, followed by shrunken waistcoats and whipstitched jackets with corsetry closures, pleated skirts, cable knits, denim and button front hem pants - in a luxe, bohemian outfit in psychedelic riffs on the now-iconic Shibori tie-dyes, 'hypnotic' prints and blades metallic. The range of mind-blowing hues were shown through bodycon and flowy dresses, knits, eye-catching tied shirts with matching miniskirts, tunics and of course parkas. The collection also recalled elements from its fall assortment – ​​its cascading mermaid-like sequins transformed into gypset accessories on layered final looks.

And then, the trip - a strong take on modern sportswear and digestible bohemian craftsmanship with iconic Altuzarra tropes - was complete.