empty stage | csnv studio ss21

full look. CSNV STUDIO
opposite
full look. CSNV STUDIO

Drawing its inspiration from the famed Irish playwright Samuel Beckett, CSNV Studio‘s latest collection is an invitation to reexamine the world. By referencing both the art of theatre and the many issues plaguing our present society, CSNV Studio seeks to bring about an emotional response from both the wearer and the observer, removing all explicit text in favour of focusing on the inherently evocative quality of the fabrics, designs and prints.

This collection is also the introduction of new silhouettes for the label. “Empty Stage”, as the label has called it, offers a range of crew necks, suiting, jogger shorts, button-up shirts and more, each crafted with both fine Italian design and contemporary streetwear in mind. Through this work, the brand continues its fight against “hype” and the culture that surrounds it. Schön! spoke to the creators behind the label to hear more about the new collection, available now on the label’s website, and to discover what’s coming next for the brand.

You’ve said this collection is inspired by Samuel Beckett. What about his work do you find so evocative, and how did those elements find their way into this collection?

The collection was greatly inspired by the works of Samuel Beckett, the reason being linked to the importance of the theatre and the absence of it during these times. Among theatrical representations, we have chosen to focus our story on one that completely abandons the rational construction and the logical-consequential language. Forgetting the typical structure, the plot of events, the cause-effect relationships, and the chronological order of the narrative are replaced by an illogical succession of meaningless events. Ultimately, at CSNV we searched and found the elements within the strongest pieces of the collection, and the abstract prints leading the viewers to an unclear reality.

full look. CSNV STUDIO
opposite
full looks. CSNV STUDIO

full looks. CSNV STUDIO
opposite
full look. CSNV STUDIO

There’s also a cinematic quality to many of these works. What else was in the reference pool for this collection?

In truth, the only fundamental cinematographic reference within the collection is linked to artist Cindy Sherman (repeated face graphics, the protagonist of the print on the pocket of the ivory jacket in the collection). What inspired us to integrate the inspiration within the collection is the evocation of fictional touch through the appearance of a seamless reality.

Last time we featured CSNV Studio, you referenced that “CSNV was born with the notion of expressing the social dilemma of our current times”. How have your ethos and motivations developed since you first launched?

Our second collection is the human evolution from embryo to birth, representing the core essence of CSNV Studio, always growing and progressing. Each collection is only the beginning of a path that presents obstacles — the need to ambiguously present a theme, exposing the issues and addressing them within the collection.

full look. CSNV STUDIO
opposite
full looks. CSNV STUDIO

full look. CSNV STUDIO
opposite
full look. CSNV STUDIO

Tell us more about the campaign images for this piece. What were you looking to capture, and how did you do so?

The SS21 collection campaign showcases the most human aspect of the collection, the protagonist, and the clean white background allowed us to focus on the strength of the product to tell a cohesive story and set the mood.

Is there any piece from this new collection that you feel is particularly representative of its ideas and influences? What is it, and why?

The strongest pieces for us as a brand in this collection are the gunmetal gray trousers and ivory jacket with graphic print on the pocket. They represent the progression of the brand and the introduction of new silhouettes that consumers had yet to see from us.

What’s next for CSNV Studio?

As a brand, we are always readying our next steps, always with hopes that our customers will continue to believe in us and our future growth.