2001 Tailored Tank Top with Shoulder Strap Details

Size IT 42: Best for any size between a large Women's UK 6/US 4 and a UK 10/US 8.

Helmut Lang layered strap sleeveless top from S/S 2001. In excellent used condition with minor fading. Made in Italy.

Helmut Lang has often been praised for his 'deconstructive' designs. With basic garment forms as the starting point, Lang created subversively elegant and abstract designs that combined the classic with the avant-garde. This experimentation was amply demonstrated in S/S 2001, where Lang explored ways of revealing the body. Cut-outs and laces were used to decorate tops, trousers and outerwear, while dresses featured straps and perforations that created a subtle yet sensual effect. The wearer's body is highlighted and in turn becomes an essential component of the design itself. S/S 2001 can thus be understood as a quintessential Helmut Lang collection, combining his cerebral conceptualism with a new sense of raw-yet-refined sexiness.

This distinctive top is an excellent demonstration of the Azzedine Alaia-inspired forms that influenced Lang's womenswear for this collection. Intricately tailored for a three-dimensional shape, it has an effortless athletic silhouette that closely follows the contours of the body. On the shoulders, layered straps create a striking graphic detail that gently highlights the wearer's body. Similar details have appeared in several Helmut Lang collections since the 1990s (pictured: S/S 2001, A/W 1995)

An abundance of interesting details exemplify the sophistication of Lang's womenswear from this period. Every seam is perfectly executed, creating a tailored effect that is rarely seen in basic tops: Precise darts give subtle definition to the breasts, while asymmetrical side seams create a gentle curve on the waist. Sartorial pick-stitching done by hand decorates the ribbed neckline and armholes, lending a luxurious finish to the piece. The fabric is a medium-weight cotton jersey with a soft brushed texture and some stretch.

Although this is a simple piece designed for everyday wear, its level of craftsmanship sets it apart from typical basics. At the same time, its truly directional features will make it the focal point of any casual outfit.