# Ebony-Masked Couture Designer Robert Lai Creates Dramatic Ensembles for Obese.Plein By Gil Cohen | Published 2013-05-29 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robert-lai References: [themag.it](http://www.themag.it/inspiration/2013/obese-plein-springsummer-2013.html) & [obeseplein](http://www.obeseplein.com/SS2013.aspx) An [all-black theme](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/black-tag-collection) has taken over the Obese.Plein fashion house for the Spring/Summer 2013 collection with designer Robert Lai topping off each ensemble with a dramatic black shroud. These masks turn the models into mysterious mannequins and also serve to ensure full emphasis is placed on the movement and texture of the garments themselves. The collection is a creative experiment in detail and design, combining [structured tailoring](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/auteur-studios-fall-2025) and corset-like tops with flowing fabrics and layered skirts that billow with the slightest breeze. The light-as-air materials are contrasted with the tougher leather and vinyl paneling, adding depth and dimension to the overall blackness. The Obese.Plein Spring/Summer 2013 collection by Robert Lai caters to the goth vixen with a penchant for drama. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.4/10 - Popularity: 83% | Activity: 72% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 10% men, 90% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, 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 ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **All-black Fashion:** All-black ensembles with dramatic masks to emphasize texture and movement of garments. - **Structural Tailoring:** Structured tailoring and corset-like tops with billowing skirts and contrasting leather/vinyl paneling. - **Mysterious Mannequin Models:** Models with dramatic masks become mysterious mannequins that emphasize the garments. ### Where This Applies - **Fashion Industry:** Innovative designers can experiment with bold, dramatic and mysterious fashion. - **Goth Fashion:** The goth fashion industry can cater to a niche market with an emphasis on drama and mystery in their designs. - **Entertainment Industry:** All-black fashion and dramatic masks can be utilized in music videos, movies, and stage productions for a dramatic effect. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Experimental Fall Wardrobe](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/khaotique-noir.md) - [Avant Garde Seasonal Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brucolic.md) - [Body Artwork-Inspired Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/body-tattoo.md) - [Luxury Resort Apparel Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/auteurs-resort-2025-collection.md) - [Redefined Fall Everyday Uniforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/observe.md) - [Intimate Spring Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/louis-vuitton-springsummer-2026.md) - [Futuristic Robotic Wearables](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ikeuchi-hiroto.md) - [Holiday-Inspired Evening Wear Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mcqueen-holiday-2025.md) - [Stealthy Modern Monochromatic Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/black-tag-collection.md)