A WOMAN'S TALE
Hofmann Copenhagen introduces their AW23 collection, 'A Woman’s Tale', celebrating the power of the imagination and the surrealist word that lives in our psyche.
Through a rich palette of gem-toned colours and painterly
silhouettes, inspiration is drawn from late surrealist artist,
Leonora Carrington, and her commitment to creative intuition. Renowned for her vivid imagination and progressive mentality,
Leonora Carrington was a British-born Mexican artist,
surrealist painter, and novelist, and notably one of the last
surviving participants in the surrealist movement. With her
dedication to feminism, she was also a founding member of
the women's liberation movement in Mexico during the 1970s,
a trope she often infused into her work.
Carrington often portrayed traditional female spaces in magical
tales, bringing women to the forefront with power and strength.
Like the team at Hofmann Copenhagen, she believed that
women can be anything and everything, creating a pantheon
of possibility. As an advocate for nature, her art reminds us to
be more responsible, to take care of our environment, both the
ground we walk on and the people we coexist with.
The collection brings Carrington’s beliefs into the everyday,
through a progressive ready-to-wear collection. Each garment
has been designed with a collective desire to empower,
handing over the paintbrush to the wearer to forge their own
tale.
“I am very drawn to surrealism at the moment. To me, surrealism
is about following your intuition. With a surrealist mindset,
anything is possible; there are no rules and you can dream
yourself into an imaginary world, to be unafraid of being the
opponent and to follow your beliefs wholeheartedly.” - Heidi Hofmann
“I love to reference historical fashion and modernise forgotten
techniques which is why I wanted to portray several of
Carrington’s paintings. Not only through the clothes, but every
element, from styling to photography. Direct references include
Carrington’s painting of Max Ernst in a dark magenta coat,
overexposed red light and crepe hair.'' - Heidi Hofmann
Direct inspiration from Carrington's magical paintings can be seen through our whimsical animal prints where we reference the mythological animals. The moth, horse and bird are central characters, all of which are reoccuring emblems used in her art. Prints are outlined in a variety of ways, using heavy thread to embroider the horse and bird on organic poplin and embroidering moths onto organic cotton.
Quilted satin and wool bouclé with jacquard add a sense of tactility to the collection. Characteristic of autumn, body-hugging silhouettes are created using several stretch fabrics including velvet, organic jersey and detailed crepe. A weighted lace fabric also permeates the collection, adorned with abstract flowers in various compositions. Every detail and emblem is connected, to bring the red thread throughout the collection.
As an extension of our seasonal collections, Hofmann Copenganen proudly introduces ‘The Wedding Edit’, an artisanal collection of elevated garments crafted for occasion dressing. Through a harmonic colour palette and exclusive fabrics, Hofmann Copenhagen presents their first edit of elevated bridal styles which will one day become future heirlooms.
In today’s global climate of crisis, from war to the repression of women’s rights in Iran, surrealism brings me a sense of hope. When there is cruelty, I believe it's natural to be drawn towards an imaginary world, to dream of other - and better - times. We need colour, hope and fun in our lives when the world is under pressure” - Heidi Hofmann