Junya Watanabe, designer

If you compare the 18th-century casaquin to this draped and ruched jacket,you will find numerous parallels, including the peplum shaping, the lively floral fabric, and, most importantly, the metallic lace trim. The lace trim on the 18th-century work is entirely handmade, whereas the 21st-century work includes machine-made trim composed of synthetic fibers. By leaving the printed selvage (or edge) of the textile visible, the designer of the latter work invites the viewer to consider the place of the machine in its craftsmanship, questioning what defines luxury in the 21st century.