Helmut Lang - Archive dispersed

HELMUT LANG ARCHIVE DISPERSED is a poignant and visually compelling book that captures the legacy of Helmut Lang designs, uniquely contextualized by a tragic event. The book is centered around apparel and accessories salvaged from a devastating 2010 fire in the SOHO building, which housed the designer’s archive. Years later, these items were sold off, and the photographs by Joakim Andreasson—originally taken as visual support for the sale—serve as a rare and inimitable survey of Lang’s iconic designs. The book’s curated selection is pre-determined by the catastrophic fire, providing an exclusive, visually arresting insight into Lang's work that may never be replicated.

In addition to the striking imagery, the book delves into the enduring influence of Lang’s designs in contemporary fashion, reflecting on their lasting legacy and continued relevance in the fashion industry today. With contributions from notable figures such as Eugene Rabkin, Yale Breslin, and Jeppe Ugelvig, HELMUT LANG ARCHIVE DISPERSED examines the present-day significance of Lang’s work, framing it within both historical and modern contexts.

The book’s design is inspired by post-war clothing catalogues, further enhancing its thematic connection to fashion history. It is bound with fire tape and housed within a skull archive box—typically used for housing human skulls and other artifacts—adding an additional layer of symbolism to this unique publication.

Joakim Andreasson, the creative director, curator, and catalyst behind HELMUT LANG ARCHIVE DISPERSED, has a distinguished career that spans fashion, art, and design. Having worked closely with Lang between 2005 and 2012, Andreasson oversaw the designer’s transition from fashion to art. He later founded CULTUREEDIT, a platform guiding artists and brands at the intersection of culture and commerce. Andreasson’s extensive experience includes collaborations with leading artists and brands, exhibitions across the world, and a wide-ranging impact in both the commercial and creative spheres.

HELMUT LANG ARCHIVE DISPERSED is more than just a fashion retrospective—it is a testament to the resilience and timelessness of Helmut Lang’s work, encapsulated through the lens of an unprecedented catastrophe.