Irene Luft Spring/Summer 2014: Post-Apocalyptic Couture?

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The steampunk style of dystopian zombie-apocalypse worlds has met its match. And this is all thanks to designer Irene Luft, who launched a spectacular spring/summer 2014 collection at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.

Her fifth foray into the event may be her most intriguing yet, as she mixed couture with industrial elements, such as plastic and gas masks.

A delicate see-through lace dress combined with a gas mask covered in the same materialA delicate see-through lace dress combined with a gas mask covered in the same material (Credit: Michael Huebner / Sebastian Gabsch / Future Image / WENN)

A transparent dress with folded fabric rosettes forming a gorgeous sashA transparent dress with folded fabric rosettes forming a gorgeous sash (Credit: Michael Huebner / Sebastian Gabsch / Future Image / WENN)

The colors in this collection are muted: white, beige, brown, and occasional gold, whittled down by a gorgeously hollow architectural design.

Luft’s signature luxe style is evident in the geometric puffs of fabric or intricate armoire-type lace that form deconstructed dresses.

These elements climb even higher to enclose the model’s head (see the outfits with gas masks). Backstage changing must be an exciting story!

A glimmering web as an extraordinary mini dressA glimmering web as an extraordinary mini dress (Credit: Michael Huebner / Sebastian Gabsch / Future Image / WENN)

Interesting separates? Top, miniskirt, and rosette-covered gas maskInteresting separates? Top, miniskirt, and rosette-covered gas mask (Credit: Michael Huebner / Sebastian Gabsch / Future Image / WENN)

The breathing apparatus is definitely the show-stopping element in Luft’s collection. It serves as a canvas for her exquisite technique and gives an unexpected eerie feel to the show.

The ensemble of the show — an exquisitely detailed figure-hugging dress paired with a mask with woven extensionsThe ensemble of the show — an exquisitely detailed figure-hugging dress paired with a mask with woven extensions (Credit: Michael Huebner / Sebastian Gabsch / Future Image / WENN)

Perhaps this collection also shows Luft’s ethical stance on sustainable fashion. She set up a couture factory in Plauen, which upholds socially responsible practices.

We can only guess. More than that, this obviously demonstrates to us Luft’s view of next year’s spring/summer clothes — revealing, intricate, and neutral.

Irene Luft's Spring/Summer 2014 at the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week held in Berlin on July 4, 2013Irene Luft’s Spring/Summer 2014 at the Mercedes Benz Fashion Week held in Berlin on July 4, 2013 (Credit: Michael Huebner / Sebastian Gabsch / Future Image / WENN)

Irene Luft taking a bow after her spectacular showIrene Luft taking a bow after her spectacular show (Credit: Michael Huebner / Sebastian Gabsch / Future Image / WENN)

Trivia: Irene Luft attended the German Master Craftsmen School for Fashion and graduated from Munich’s Akademie für Mode & Design.