DALLAS, Apr 13, 2007/ FW/ --- Dutch design duo Viktor & Rolf are known for their forward-thinking vision of fashion, always giving their audience something to think about when it comes to their creations.

So, last January, when they presented their Fall 2007 menswear collection, they chose to propose clogs, as in The Netherlands’ national costume as the preferred footwear for men.

All right, the clothes are actually near conventional, Viktor & Rolf style, of course. Bomber jackets in wool knits, outer coats lined with shearling, double-breasted trench coats, suit jackets with wide piping on the edge and V-neck pullovers paired with straight leg pants.

And they have their usual graphical prints; this season one of them simply said ‘Monsieur’ while another one just said ‘Klap, Klap, Klap.’

What makes this collection unforgettable is the use of clogs as footwear. And though some might say that it is ‘for show,’ the audience should also think about the ‘global village’ mentality that permeates the world’s population today.

With the unstoppable popularity of the internet, traditional geographical lines are slowly being erased. The concept is not new to North Americans, specifically Canada and the U.S. wherein open borders between the two countries had been in effect for a very long time. But, the rest of the world is not, specially in Europe wherein a thousand years of history has created a distinct culture for each country.

Still, though North America in terms of Canada and the U.S. seem homogenous, those living above the 49th parallel call themselves Canadians and those living below it call themselves Americans. Two different countries, with similar cultures, yet still very different and proud of their own heritage.

With the formation of the European Union, continental Europe is finding itself adjusting to a new way of life, with open borders to the EU member nations. And, because of millennia of history that separated these countries, the need to feel ‘local’, i.e. not lost their national identity, while adapting to the union of nations is very strong.

Perhaps, Viktor & Rolf, like most Europeans today feel the same way. Or maybe, with their very forward-thinking minds, they decided to put it out in the open and put it center stage in a fashion presentation.

Whatever their reasons maybe, Viktor & Rolf hit a nerve, going local to be part of the global community. And with that move, the Dutch duo proved once again that they have their finger on the pulse of not only fashion but also of the community.

Viktor & Rolf

Viktor & Rolf

Viktor & Rolf

Viktor & Rolf