# Experimental Couture Collections Ronald Van Der Kemp's Spring 2018 Inspiration is Multifold By Kalin Ned | Published 2018-01-26 | Luxury Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/experimental-couture-collection References: [vogue](https://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/spring-2018-couture/ronald-van-der-kemp) It is hard to pinpoint exactly what Ronald van der Kemp had in mind with his extremely experimental couture collection for Spring 2018. It seems the designer has drawn inspiration from a number of social trends and culture-specific traditional wear. The yellow-frilled and metallic fabrics, combined with the dominant color palette of the makeup, give off a [futuristic and extraterrestrial element](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-future-is-not-set), while the bright red gown and evident assertiveness of the model mimics femme fatale seductiveness. The Grunge era is captured in black leathery designs, pop culture is present with a subtle reference to the Bride of Frankenstein and traditional wear is present with Mexican-inspired patterns and Eastern European ethnic gowns. The Ronald van der Kemp's 2018 experimental couture collection truly is an amalgamation of various [haute couture inspirations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chanel-spring-summer-2026). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.4/10 - Popularity: 49% | Activity: 14% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Luxury](https://www.trendhunter.com/luxury) > [Luxury Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/luxuryfashion) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Experimental Couture:** Opportunity for fashion designers to push the boundaries of traditional fashion and create avant-garde pieces that challenge conventional beauty standards. - **Futuristic Fashion:** Emerging trend that combines metallic fabrics, bright colors, and unconventional designs to create a futuristic and extraterrestrial aesthetic. - **Cultural Fusion:** Opportunity to incorporate elements from different cultures and traditional wear to create unique and eclectic fashion collections. ### Where This Applies - **Fashion Design:** Disruptive innovation opportunity for fashion designers to experiment with new materials, silhouettes, and techniques to create daring and groundbreaking couture collections. - **Beauty and Makeup:** Opportunity for makeup artists and cosmetic companies to explore and create bold and vibrant makeup looks that complement the avant-garde nature of experimental couture. - **Textile and Fabric Manufacturing:** Opportunity to develop and produce innovative fabrics and materials that can be used in experimental couture, such as metallic fabrics or fabrics inspired by traditional textiles from different cultures. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Luxury Resort Apparel Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/auteurs-resort-2025-collection.md) - [Politically-Inspired Runway Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/selkies-the-libertine-collection.md) - [Modern High-Fashion Dresses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/terani-couture.md) - [Cinematic Thriller-Inspired Runways](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jw-anderson-fw-2024.md) - [Avant-Garde Biomimicry Fashion Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/biomimicry-fashion.md) - [Avant-Garde High Streetwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hm-x-glenn-martens.md) - [Archetypal Fashion Debuts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/la-famiglia-collection.md) - [Punk Rock-Informed Fall Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/superculture-collection.md) - [Statement-Making Fall Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/auteur-studios-fall-2025.md)