# Architectural Garment Collections Martijn van Strien's 'Contradiction' Features Sharp Silhouettes By Vasiliki Marapas | Published 2014-10-21 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/martijn-van-striens References: [dezeen](http://www.dezeen.com/2014/10/21/martijn-van-strien-mphvs-laser-cut-fashion-dutch-design-week-2014/) & [martijnvanstrien](http://martijnvanstrien.com/) Rotterdam-based designer Martijn van Strien has designed 'Contradictions,' a [unisex collection](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sujitha-shivajothi) of [laser-cut garments inspired by architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/couture-collection-2). The collection, which was exhibited during Dutch Design Week, is the first to launch from his label mphvs. Strien's previous designs featured PVC tarpaulin, a hefty material that he again experiments with in this collection. He explains that the collection is "inspired by a man who travels the edges of his existence." The clothing, then, is intended to reflect the man's journey, mirroring the buildings, bridges and man-made structures he passes along the way. The [sculptural silhouettes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/transhabit-collection) and angular shapes of the garments, which are made possible by literally welding together the seams, are softened by rounded necklines. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.6/10 - Popularity: 81% | Activity: 50% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 10% men, 90% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Hip Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/hipfashion) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Laser-cut Garments:** Opportunity for fashion designers to incorporate architectural elements and new materials in garment construction. - **Unisex Collections:** Opportunity for designers to create gender-neutral fashion lines and move towards inclusivity in the fashion industry. - **Sculptural Silhouettes:** Opportunity to design unique, statement pieces that incorporate architectural inspiration and experimentation with materials. ### Who This Affects Most - **Fashion Design:** Innovative designers in the fashion industry can incorporate architectural elements and new materials in garment construction to create statement pieces. - **Textile Manufacturing:** Manufacturers can explore new techniques for laser-cutting and material welding to produce unique fabrics and garments that incorporate architectural inspiration. - **Sustainable Fashion:** Sustainability-focused fashion brands can incorporate laser-cutting and welding techniques to reduce textile waste through efficient garment construction while still creating unique designs. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Avant-Garde High Streetwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hm-x-glenn-martens.md) - [Versatile Sculptural Outerwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/transhabit-collection.md) - [Identity-Exploring Clothing](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shapes-we-take.md) - [Futuristic Statement Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-future-is-not-set.md) - [Artful Suspended Fashion Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/invisible-figures.md) - [Statement-Making Fall Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/auteur-studios-fall-2025.md) - [Genderless Outerwear Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sujitha-shivajothi.md) - [Modular Daily Apparel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-uniform-collection.md) - [Material Tensions Collection](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/between-the-lightness-and-the-darkness.md)