Kobi Halperin unveils the artistic inspiration behind the new Ungaro collection
Interview by Céline Ngouasse for The Céline Édit
To mark the presentation of Emanuel Ungaro , designer Kobi Halperin reflects on the artistic inspiration behind the season. Drawing on both a tribute to the house's heritage and a fascination with the iconic Madame X portrait, he envisions an Ungaro woman who is magnetic, elegant, and impossible to ignore. For the designer, fashion remains, above all, a language capable of conveying beauty and hope.
Heritage and creation
Can you introduce yourself in a few words?
My name is Kobi Halperin, I am a designer based in New York. I am very happy to present the Autumn-Winter collection for Ungaro today.
What was the inspiration behind this new collection?
With Ungaro, everything always begins with the heritage of the house. I have enormous respect for what Mr. Ungaro founded in 1965.
For this collection, I went to see the exhibition of the famous portrait Madame X at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. This painting immediately struck me. I was fascinated by the way this portrait conveys an era, a personality, and an artistic vision. This almost hypnotic presence became the starting point for the collection.
"When you enter the room where Madame X is exhibited, she immediately fills the entire space. You can't look away."
The Ungaro woman
« Everything revolves around her; she naturally captures the gaze. »
How does this inspiration translate into your vision of the Ungaro woman?
For me, the Ungaro woman is a woman who naturally attracts attention. She possesses a strong presence, an elegance that immediately captures the gaze.
The collection as a narrative
« What matters most to me is storytelling and the connection between all the pieces that make up a story. »
If you had to choose just one piece from the collection, which would it be?
It's very difficult for me to choose just one piece. I always prefer to think about the overall story rather than an isolated garment.
I have two daughters at home, so I could never choose just one. A collection works the same way: each piece contributes to a story.
Beauty as a message
« I'm not trying to shock anyone. I simply want to bring beauty. Let's remain true to beauty, because beauty brings hope. »
What word would best define this collection?
I would say beauty — and hope.
We live in a time of great tension and negativity in the world. In this context, I believe that fashion, art, and music have an important role to play. And perhaps that is the true power of creation.
Find here the exclusive video presentation of the new Ungaro collection.
