AW03 Helmut Lang PRESS SAMPLE ‘Invisible’ Hooded Harness

Autumn 2003, Lang dawned a conglomerate of restrictive bondage accents, militaristic hues and futuristic cuts. Going full throttle on the utilitarian aesthetic, he’d deconstruct items like aviation seatbelts to create wearable harness accessories, bondage clasped MA-1 jackets and concealed parachute suits to pair. Tailoring garments with razor sharp accuracy, we’d see an uncommon theme from Lang - graphics, printed in a negative typography atop a white collared button up. Finishing the unisex collection with a series of womenswear looks, he’d close Fall ‘03 with lace mid length skirts and cropped leather jackets, leaving us with centuries of expertise to dissect.

 

Despite having officially released in Helmut Lang’s Autumn 2003 collection, this harness comes as an incredibly rare ‘Press Sample’. Used as a marketing piece for agencies to photograph and reference, they were only ever available to the public for purchase at ‘sample sales’. Illustrating the intense rarity of this item, this incredible accessory comes in a merino wool base, featuring a vacant torso and metallic accents. Wrapping around the body, a waistband is finished with hoodie detailing, and a press sample tag on the zipper hardware. Fitting one size, this piece comes in pristine condition throughout.