Brooklyn-based designer Zoe Gustavia Anna Whalen embraced medieval motifs in her Fall 2025 collection, i’minlovewitheverythingandiknownothingatall, presenting it in a black-box theater lit solely by candlelight at Performance Space New York in the East Village . Collaborating with sculptural artist Vasaris Balzekas, Whalen introduced surreal “armored plates” created from vintage silver serving dishes, worn over her signature delicate corseted gowns .
Candlelit Ceremony & Immersive Ritual
Models moved through a darkened space, guided only by candlelight, candles that Whalen personally extinguished in a solemn closing act—no flash photography allowed, creating an immersive, meditative performance . The ambiance was further deepened by a haunting original score featuring theremin and synthesis by Silas Edgar, the clank of metal armor, and the scent of burning wax .
Armor & Emotional Storytelling
The armor, made from battered silver plates, conveyed a rugged, war-worn feel—“like ancient coins excavated from Roman soil”—paired with soft, naturally-dyed linens, wax-dipped babydoll tops, and exposed crinolines that doubled as candles . Whalen referenced Joan of Arc and the darkness of valor, exploring themes of violence, resilience, and shared emotional weight .
Sustainability & “Emotional Sustainability”
Every garment was crafted in Whalen’s studio from deadstock, vintage linens, thermals, quilted blankets, and other reclaimed materials . She explained that fabric carries “palpable intention,” representing a version of sustainability rooted in emotional connection and slow consumption .
Why This Matters
Aspect
Significance
Fashion as Ritual
Whalen redefines fashion shows as immersive, communal experiences—less spectacle, more presence and storytelling.
Historical & Emotional Depth
By blending medieval armor with vulnerable garments, she crafts a narrative on contemporary violence, endurance, and light in darkness.
Purposeful Materiality
Her sustainable, reclaimed fabrics carry histories and emotional depth—coined “emotional sustainability.”
Courageous Expression
In an era of techno-feudalism and brutality, Whalen’s collection stands as a poetic, reflective counterstatement.
Zoe Gustavia Anna Whalen’s Fall 2025 show didn’t just present clothes—it conjured a sensory, emotional ritual. Let me know if you’d like a breakdown of key looks, sourcing details, or styling inspirations from this hauntingly beautiful collection.
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