For FW16 Essentiel-Antwerp collaborates with Designers Against AIDS. The result is a capsule collection that exudes power, with 25% of proceeds going to support our work. The problem of HIV / AIDS continues to be a loaded subject, but Essentiel translates the safe sex message their own way: with a wink and a dose of creativity. 

Creative Director Inge Onsea finds it a necessity to support organizations like DAA and was inspired by the "punk couture" and the club culture from the '90s, not coincidentally the period in which the fight against HIV / AIDS was gaining a greater public understanding. The collection also has a strong Afropunk vibe.

Icons such as Boy George, Keith Haring, Stephen Sprouse, Leigh Bowery, drag queens and club kids gave the collection shape, style and color.  Think of bodycon dresses, bodies, see-through lace playsuits and tongue-in-cheek quotes such as 'Smoking Hot Essentiel’ or' Essentiel is Burning "(referring to the film ‘Paris is Burning’).

The accessories in leopard print featuring fiery red lips are eye-catchers. The link with Antwerp - where both Essentiel and DAA were founded - is reflected in the prints on T-shirts and sweaters.  A total of 15 pieces were designed in the colors black and red, for fabrics like lace and stretch. The collection is aimed at a female audience, but is unisex for daring males.  Strike a pose! 

Nice detail: Essentiel has produced Essentiel x DAA condoms that customers get as a goodie when purchasing any Essentiel x DAA item. 
Make sure to check out the super cool video with voguing dancers here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqRJTB495XQ

The DAA collection is available from September 2, 2016 in selected Essentiel stores and online at http://essentiel-antwerp.com