Steve Madden X RvdK Fashionshow FW2023 Amsterdam

With Dutch conscious-couture designer Ronald van der Kemp in charge of the curation of the show, expectations for the Steve Madden presentation were high. For the creative direction of the Steve Madden FW23 collection, Van der Kemp consequently decided to once again walk the rebellious path and pair the footwear with ensembles entirely made out of paper.

The footwear was ranging from chunky black loafers that exude an air of casual insouciance to knee-high lace-up’s and heavy black ankle boots, adding a distinctive edge to their ensembles. A pink bedazzled Mistica sneaker followed by a line-up of hardcore attire. A perfect match with the paper outfits.

RVDK Catwalk Couture Show Paris FW2018

Dutch designer RVDK/Ronald van der Kemps message is still the same: the only sustainable way forward is by making the most of what’s in front of you. And you don’t need to know about his stance on sustainability to enjoy his work, but it certainly gives it added relevance at a time where H&M sits on $4.3 billion worth of unsold inventory. Through this iteration of his upcycled collage of vintage fabric finds and unusual materials, van der Kemp zeroed in on the idea of disposable clothes, opposing the paper dresses of the Sixties to the “disposable clothes on the high street.”
He draws together his repurposed material in a joyous clash that imparts a perpetual of-the-moment feel. As ever, he remains undaunted at the idea of offering outré pairings, or of being handed materials others may consider subpar.