1999 Extrafine Transparent Ribbed Jersey T-Shirt

Size S: Best for any size between a slim IT 48 - 38 Chest - S/M and an IT 44 - 34 Chest - XS. Can also be worn by women sized between a UK 14/US 10 and a UK 8/US 4.

Helmut Lang see-through T-shirt from S/S 1999. In very good used condition with minor signs of wear. Made in Italy.

For S/S 1999 Helmut Lang sought to emphasise the range and depth of his sartorial vision. An effortless attitude pervaded the show where the designer presented a comprehensive wardrobe for men and women, seamlessly integrating everything from militaristic streetwear to pristine tailoring and sophisticated couture creations. While the styling was relaxed and fairly casual, these were some of Lang's most innovative designs to date: For his Jeans line, the designer presented a series of strapped accessories and biker garments that would be presented again in the following winter collection. Those designs represent a period that is now remembered as one of his most iconic moments. On the mainline front, Lang's iconic saturated fuchsia colour (first seen in S/S 1994) made a remarkable appearance in the form of transparent tops and dresses, while a unique 'feathered' silk fabric was used in delicate tailoring.

The ingenious use of soft transparent layers was one of Lang's most characteristic signatures during his early years, when he was being introduced to the fashion world at large. John-Michael O'Sullivan writes:

'[...] Helmut Lang, the outsider who galvanised Paris out of the Eighties with his séances de travail at the Espace des Commines: stark, minimal silhouettes and frail, sombre materials, with layers so light and weightless they threatened to disappear, twisting and falling away from the body the moment they brushed against your skin.'

Although this T-shirt comes from a later period during which Lang was very much part of the fashion establishment, this commentary still rings true. In fact, this top is one of these garments that I can confidently describe as quintessentially Helmut Lang. Precisely cut and unembellished, it is crafted from an exceptional jersey fabric that is so fine it is nearly transparent. Soft, graceful and delicate, the material has a finely ribbed surface that creates beautiful plays with movement and light, subtly revealing the body in the process. It should also be noted that its composition is 100% cotton; to achieve such a fine yarn with cotton fibers is costly, but results in a more luxurious and tactilely pleasant feeling than synthetics.  

Constructed with as little superficial detailing as possible, the design invites the wearer to focus on the purity of its form and beautiful fabrication. The silhouette is timeless and classic with a fitted body, a crew neck and a flattering shoulderline. The neckline is finished with self-fabric binding, while the waist and sleeve hems are secured with a simple coverstitch.  

This T-shirt is an extraordinary find, striking in its simple and effortless beauty. Its one-of-a-kind fabrication and precise silhouette will make a strong statement, while acting as a testament to the timeless appeal of Helmut Lang's work. Strongly recommended.