Have any of you heard of Project Catwalk? Apparently it’s the Dutch solution to Project Runway. And Django Steenbakker is apparently their Leanimal, or at least that’s the comparison I am drawing as I want to lick both of their clothes.
Unfortunately, I can find surprisingly little about this guy, but o, do I like looking at his recent collection. They are these loose silhouettes packed with little surprises, and remind me of uncovering presents under sheets or something exquisite like that.
For instance, I love how he can take something as cozy as a pair of sweatpants, and just by adding some tiny adjustments (a drawstring, a raised waist) create this wonderful new animal, that is so posh and swank but not trying terribly hard. Also, note that jacket: yes, it uses cut-outs, feathers (chiffon?) AND plexi, and somehow instead of the obvious hot mess I would assume would be the result of all those things used together, they become this wonderful piece that just seems to jump through different time periods. O hells yes.
There is so much fun and excitement in these pieces, tempered with taste and a concern for the casual that keeps them from becoming too bonkers.
Also, tell me this isn’t just the cutest baby-faced designer you have ever seen. I want to pinch his cheeks…
See Django’s full collection here.
And a great review of his first show by Madame Mode here.
