Panos Yiapanis documents his historic fashion collection, damaged by water, in a visual tribute showcasing the beauty and fragility of garments from 1850 to 1910.

For over 25 years, stylist Panos Yiapanis has curated an extensive archive of designer fashion, scouring the globe for precious antique finds. However, in 2020, disaster struck when his storage space suffered significant water damage, impacting a portion of this valuable collection irreparably. As a result, Yiapanis faced the difficult challenge of parting with these pieces, many of which have become contaminated with mold and are streaked with unusual colors, rendering them unwearable in the traditional sense.

Despite the condition of these garments, Yiapanis chose to document them one final time, creating a visual tribute to their history and craftsmanship. Collaborating with model Rianne Van Rompaey and photographer Joel Kemp, careful attention was paid to the presentation of these vintage pieces, some of which date back as far as 1850 and extend through to 1910. The resulting images feature not only whole garments but also fragments, undergarments, and underpinnings, showcasing an array of textures and styles from a bygone era.

Yiapanis employed a custom plastic base in the styling of these images, which serves a dual purpose: it acts as both a protective layer for the skin and an aesthetic contrast to the delicate, historical fabrics. The meticulous layering and presentation reflect a profound respect for the craftsmanship and attention to detail characteristic of the garments’ time periods.

In describing the project, Yiapanis said, “my way of saying goodbye” to these clothes. This farewell is expressed through an overloaded aesthetic that unravels at the seams, symbolizing both the beauty and the fragility of fashion history. The documented remnants serve as a poignant reminder of these once-celebrated pieces, now transformed into art.

Source: Noah Wire Services