SS19 Vetements “Forgive Us” Embroidered Short-sleeve Shirt

Staged under a Parisian bridge in the Fall of 2019, Demna Gvasilia brought guests to the displaced home of migrants. The designer strived to illustrate his story, the untold truth of Georgia’s civil war and his perspective as a victim. Speaking to the forced transition from civilian to fighter, he dressed models partly in uniform, while meshing denim with jogger fleece. Putting literal targets and subsequent bullet holes on the underside of t-shirts, he demonstrated the fight for survival in a corrupt war. On the opposing side, he outfitted models in gimp masks and daunting leather exteriors, their silhouettes large and formidable. Having fled as a child, these depictions were bestowed behind youthful eyes, each look resembling that of a nightmare. Through Gvasilia’s ironic takes, we indulged in harsh, uncomfortable topics while enchanted in one’s mastery of design.

 

To the untrained eye, this garment can easily be mistaken as embroidered, unintelligible symbols. However, when looking closer, it becomes apparent this text is of the native Georgian language. Reading “The Lord Will Forgive Us”, he repents for the war crimes committed under Georgian authority during the civil war. In addition, he scribes “Clothes” on the breast pocket, and frays each sleeve to further the distraught narrative. Fitting a size large, in great condition throughout.