Surrealism, this year's fall theme at Samaritaine, has long been a source of inspiration for designers. From Loewe to Balenciaga to Jacquemus, many designers embrace and put their own spin on the movement's artistic conventions.

Loewe knows how to be bold. The astoundingly creative Jonathan Anderson has a knack for all things amazing and mind-blowing, creating outfits with a nod to everyday life but creativity beyond compare. Under his influence, Loewe's 2021 collection was filled with draped and deconstructed pieces, featuring dresses with metal or resin breastplates and bold materials that made reflecting light and fantasy the main event. Among his other creations are shoes with rose-shaped heels and bodices resembling puckered lips. His creations are eye-catching and impactful in equal measure.

For Spring-Summer 2018, Bottega Veneta launched a six-episode digital campaign directed by Fabien Baron, entitled Reflections. This highly cinematic series includes surreal, sensual and hypnotic elements, reminiscent of the work of filmmaker David Lynch.

From Tape Outfits to Giant Bags

At a Balenciaga show three years later, every piece in the collection appeared on Eliza Douglas as deepfake clones walked the runway, while artificial intelligence intoned an eerie rendition of La Vie en Rose in the background. Disturbing...yet innovative! Demna Gvasalia had already taken the world by storm with a pair of sneakers mounted on springs, then with an outfit made entirely from tape worn by Kim Kardashian. Breaking the mold truly can be an art form!

As for Jacquemus, this designer offers feminine and playful collections that reflect his inventive and light-hearted nature and are always showcased against innovative backdrops. This designer's influences often call to mind the surrealist movement of the 20th century. From his oversized hats to his mini bags, this creator loves to play with scale as much as he adores warping elements of reality. On his Instagram, he fashions shapes from baskets, handbags or posters, while gargantuan augmented-reality lemons rain down on a beach or giant Bambino-bag cars race through the streets of Paris.

Creative and modern, fashion inspired by surrealism is thriving and here to stay.