With a stunning presentation displayed in Florence’s Renaissance glory on Wednesday, Jan-Jan Van Essche, a leading fashion designer, made his successful debut on the runway.
This Fall/Winter 2023 unisex collection, dubbed ‘Rite’, was a success on a number of fronts, including silhouette, fabric innovation, texture, and, most importantly, aesthetics. The poncho or cape was a crucial piece of clothing; it came in a variety of designs, was cut elephantine and finished with side buttons and flap pockets.
The performance-based catwalk presentation also included a ballet by Belgian-Moroccan choreographer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, famed for fusing martial arts movements with avant-garde dance.
“We are amazingly grateful to be here. It’s a great honour to be invited to Pitti, and it’s a wonderful place to finally make my runway debut,” said Van Essche cheerfully.
“I am not a man of words, but of emotion. And I hope this Rite, inspired by Pina Bausch’s Rite of Spring, will lead the audience to making some transitions in their minds,” Van Essche added.
Bharat Tex Special Report 2026 
