Akris’ Woman in a Coat with a Bag

For Akris‘ fall/winter 2017 collection, Albert Kriemler got down to basics. What does a woman grab before heading out? Her coat and her bag in one easy movement. Said the designer, “There is no way to look more sophisticated and poised than in a coat. Its sleek elegance commands a certain level of respect and provides the kind of protection she wants.”

So this season is all about the coat and the bag—codes of coats, a cinched double-face coat, an ultrasoft reversible leather, a chiffon trench, and the winter must-have shearling coat. Colors were rich, in black, cream, camel, taupe, and purple.

Akris fall/winter 2017

Canadian artist Rodney Graham has made work about that exact gesture of putting on a coat in both Der Mantelanzieher (2015) and Coat Puller (2017), inspired by German expressionist artist Ernst Barlach. Kriemler discovered Graham’s work at Hauser & Wirth gallery in ZurichaAnd then created six coats depicting Der Mantelanzieher on the back for the finale of the show.

Said Graham, ”I was excited and flattered when Albert Kriemler asked me to be a part of his new Akris collection. I was really impressed by his previous collaborations with Thomas Ruff and Carmen Herrera, artists I admire. Working with him has been a pleasure—surprisingly easygoing!—as well as a learning experience. It is clear to me that his interest in visual art is very serious.”