NEW ROMANTIC by QΠШ Robert Kupisz Winter 2023/24
photo: Agata Serge
Strong makeup, extravagant styling and the evolution of punk culture. The nightlife of London clubs in the 1980s gave rise to the new romantic style. This crazy decade also marked Robert Kupisz's youth. The designer returned to his memories and created the "NEW ROMANTIC" collection, inspired by the colorful life of the British subculture straight from the Blitz club.
The latest offering from the QΠШ ROBERT KUPISZ brand is the designer's nostalgic journey to his high school days. It was then that the punk style reigned supreme and people were constantly looking for new ways to express themselves. An art school was an ideal place to observe changes in fashion, as Robert says:
“I remember my friends who were styled in velvet frock coats and jabots. They wore long manes, and over time they adopted Mohawks and leather jackets. They altered all their clothes themselves. They added embroidery and studs, even on shoes. As a dancer, I focused on more classic styles, but the creative expression of that decade and my environment remained deeply in my memory. So much so that they became the leitmotif of the new "NEW ROMANTIC" collection by QΠШ ROBERT KUPISZ.
The return to the style of the 80s is reflected in the colors, prints and forms of clothes. Although Robert Kupisz drew inspiration from his memories, he interpreted the new romantic style in his own, distinctive way. The collection includes figure-building jackets, loose dresses, sexy skirts, wide pants, as well as the now iconic oversize T-shirts and shirts. The designs are functional and can be styled in many ways. Thanks to this, they dynamically follow the style and needs of the brand's clients.
The “NEW ROMANTIC” collection by QΠШ ROBERT KUPISZ is based mostly on materials with certificates such as OEKO-TEX® or GOTS. Both classic and raw fabric finishes were used. Selected models are hand-gilded. The prints are dominated by rhombuses, typical of the fashion of that time. The color palette is based on subdued shades of brown, beige, black and white, as well as navy blue. The entire collection was sewn and produced in Poland.
The photos for the advertising campaign of the "NEW ROMANTIC" collection by QΠШ ROBERT KUPISZ were taken by Agata Serge. This is another collaboration between the photographer and the designer. Although each of their joint projects was special, the latest campaign stands out for its analog character.
“Robert told me about the assumptions of the collection, which referred to the 1980s and his memories from his youth. After seeing the projects, we agreed that this session must be unique, both in its idea and its execution. It should refer to the nature of the inspiration, but at the same time be presented in a contemporary way. As a photographer, I go through transformations from time to time, which are especially visible in the campaigns created for Robert. For some time now I have been shooting mainly with analog cameras and our session was the first in this style to be prepared entirely on negative film. Robert's designs are packaged in a modern form, locked in an orange room, full of memories distorted by time and wide-angle lenses. - said Agata Serge.
The artist who shot a film promoting the latest "NEW ROMANTIC" collection was once again Paweł Grabowski from WOW Pictures. He interpreted Robert Kupisz's inspirations visually through kaleidoscope-like multiplications and effects from before the digital era. Dynamic video material with a funky background contrasts with freeze frames and the models' acting. The performing duo of Natalia Napieralska and Staś Buk slowly gets into the mood, seeming somewhat indifferent to the catchy old-school music.
The background for the photo session and promotional film was an intense, orange set with geometric elements by Ewa Iwańczuk. The simple arrangement allowed to highlight the silhouettes of the models, styled personally by Robert Kupisz. Kama Jankowska was responsible for the makeup. Ania Borowska from ART WORKS was again in charge of the production of the campaign.
The latest "NEW ROMANTIC" collection by QΠШ ROBERT KUPISZ is on sale in the brand's online store and stationary boutiques from January 25, 2023. It will soon be available in cooperating boutiques and on the Zalando.pl and Moliera2.com sales platforms.
Photographer: Agata Serge
Scenography: Ewa Iwańczuk
Styling: Robert Kupisz
Stylist's assistant: Max Wiśniewski
Makeup and hair: Kama Jankowska
Models: Natalia Napieralska (division), Staś Buk (selective)
Production : Ania Borowska /ART WORKS
