Clara Colette Miramon’s Surrealist-Inspired SS25 Collection

On the occasion of the centenary of surrealism, Clara Colette Miramon launches its first fashion show, “Nesting”, paying tribute to the often overlooked women of the surrealist movement. Drawing inspiration from three iconic figures who profoundly influenced the movement while living in 1930s Paris—Dorothea Tanning, Meret OppenheimAnd Leonor Fini—Miramon’s collection opens with their extravagant personalities and the mix of beauty and terror that underlies their works. The collection’s exploration of femininity is deeply rooted in the Surrealist tradition, offering a modern twist on the enigmatic appeal that these artists embodied.

Dreams and distortions are at the heart of this collection, reflecting the artistic output of the muses. Tanning’s soft sculptures, which provocatively explore femininity, are echoed in the faux fur-lined garments crafted in printed knits. The padded skeleton look is a reinterpretation of a dress designed for Elsa Schiaparelli by Oppenheim, from his work as a sculptor. The rat imagery, present in the prints and embroideries throughout the collection, draws on Fini’s fascination with taxidermy, transforming an animal often considered repulsive into an object of beauty.

On the podium, Miramon depicts a dichotomy of femininity through the figures of the “virgin” and the “rat girl.” THE “virgin” embodies purity and innocence, dreaming of a rebellious world, while the “rat girl” exudes glamour, strength and confidence. This duality is represented by layers of organza draped over denim, creating a dreamlike veil that blurs the lines of reality. The designs juxtapose ruffles with structured corsets and suits, further exploring this tension. The organza fabrics create a veiled appearance over the denim, adding to the surreal and otherworldly feel of the collection.

A standout piece is a dress made entirely from boxing gloves, reminiscent of Tanning’s supple body sculptures. This piece highlights the contrast between the softness of the material and the inherent aggression of boxing, underscoring the collection’s exploration of female strength. Corsets and cutouts rigidly mold the female silhouette, contrasting with the softness of the fabrics, further emphasizing the duality of strength and vulnerability.

The prints in the collection, developed in collaboration with the visual artist Camille Soulatevoke femininity through the prism of boxing imagery. Soulat’s work captures the moment of impact of a punch, distorting facial features and symbolizing the raw power and resilience of the “rat girls,” who are emblems of friendship and sisterhood. These prints, combined with the structural elements of corsets and cutouts, explore different facets of strength and femininity, creating a powerful visual narrative.

The collection is an exploration of femininity, female sexuality and friendship, representing the paradoxes of the female condition. By tackling the contrasts between purity and rebellion, and the nuanced perceptions of femininity, Miramon’s collection “Nesting“offers a compelling tribute to the surrealist women who shaped our understanding of art and femininity.

Check out the collection in the gallery below: