In an imaginative foray into the Autumn/Winter 2024 season, Giuliano Calza, the creative force behind GCDS, invites adults to revisit the whimsical world of childhood toys with a sophisticated twist. Dubbed “Toys for Adults,” Calza’s latest collection transcends conventional fashion norms, blending playful nostalgia with mature elegance.
Initially, the announcement of a “Toys for Adults” themed fashion show sparked curiosity and misconceptions, hinting at a venture into the risqué. However, Calza’s vision was far from the adult toy industry’s offerings. Instead, he sought to resurrect the cherished toys of our youth, transforming them through the unique lens of GCDS, and reintroducing them as fashion icons for the adult audience.
This season, Calza stages a compelling argument against the notion that toys are merely children’s playthings. He seamlessly integrates childhood staples such as Polly Pocket, Hello Kitty, alongside cult figures like Oracle and Chucky, into the adult wardrobe, reimagined with a mature aesthetic. The show’s ambiance, set against a backdrop of blood-red curtains and dim lighting, hinted at a sophisticated reinterpretation of these iconic characters.
The collection opens with the purity of white, through sheer knitted pieces that subtly reveal the form beneath, adorned with ruffles that whisper of innocence now past. This narrative of innocence evolves with the presentation of a wedding dress, its padded hips symbolizing a bold departure from tradition and the embrace of a new era.
As the collection unfolds, darker hues and textures emerge, signaling a transition to sensuality and sophistication. Babydoll dresses boldly emblazoned with “BABY” recall a bygone innocence, while leather, lurex, and plush fabrics introduce an adult allure to the GCDS aesthetic. The detail-oriented approach of the collection is evident in its accessories and motifs; Chucky and his hammer, Polly Pocket miniatures, and the predatory Morso shoes with jaw-shaped heels, each adding a layer of depth and intrigue to the narrative.
GCDS’s “Toys for Adults” culminates in a striking, strapless, puffy floor-length dress that encapsulates the collection’s essence—celebrating the joy and innocence of childhood within the realm of adult sophistication. Calza’s collection serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of play and imagination, urging us to preserve our youthful spirit amidst the complexities of adult life.
Through “Toys for Adults,” GCDS not only revisits the cherished memories of childhood but also charts a path for their evolution into symbols of adult elegance and style, proving that toys, much like dreams, are not just for children.
