Thom Browne Spring/Summer 2017

Stepford wives in preppy trompe l’oeil dresses, men in tiny short suits wearing cat masks, a raven, and an elaborately feathered parrot graced the runway at Thom Browne this season. Whatever goes on in Browne’s mind is a mystery, but do we really need an explanation for this mad genius? Not one, not two, but three looks were worn by each model. The floral bath coats and shower caps came first, followed by Slim Aarons–style looks that were equal parts retro and futuristic, and finally a series of red, white, and blue–striped swimsuits. The crowning jewel was a single silver sequined gown topped off with a disco ball hat inspired by Brown’s cherished dog, Hector.

“I actually cried. I thought it was absolutely genius with a sense of humor and a sense of history,” said Vanity Fair correspondent Amy Fine Collins post-show. “It was futuristic, fun, exciting, and wearable. There’s nothing like it.”  According to Collins, the pool had a personal meaning to Browne, who was a champion swimmer. It’s a surreal and wonderfully strange experience at Thom Browne and we’re glad he has a stage for his endless creativity. “It’s an operatic performance,” said Fern Mallis. “To me he’s fashion’s Robert Wilson.” Oh, my, it was fun!