For Fall/Winter 2021, Owens presented an eerily realistic collection set against a smoke filled runway on the bank of the Lido—a Venetian Lagoon. In signature Rick Owens fashion, the designer merged angular silhouettes with unique takes on today’s biggest fads: masks, sequins, and asymmetric knits. Mixing apocalyptic fantasy with pandemic reality, Owens once again proves his knack for constructing daunting fashion stories while remaining stylistically relevant.

Titled “Gethsemane,” the collection stealthily references the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, a location of great importance in several religions. Combined with intriguing styling, the reference serves as a jumping off point for Owens to experiment with new textiles while also updating cult-favorites such as square toe boots and cut-out dresses. Owens combines silhouettes and styles that usually are a no-no—the sequin trouser and oversized puffer jacket look stands out—yet somehow makes them look wholly desirable.