As latex-like materials begin making bold appearances across Fashion Week 2025, we can’t help but look back to a standout moment that signaled this shift in high fashion: our collaboration with Thom Browne for Paris Couture Week 2023.
This was more than just a runway partnership—it was a meeting of two creative worlds: Browne’s iconic, theatrical tailoring and Vex’s expertise in crafting high-fashion latex garments. Together, we turned an archival wetsuit concept into a fully realized couture moment.
The inspiration for the collection began with a single idea: What if Thom Browne’s wetsuit design became a latex garment? The result was a tightly edited range of looks that honored Browne’s meticulous eye while pushing the boundaries of latex design.
Latex Bodysuits: These weren’t just second-skin pieces—they were tailored to perfection, reflecting the structure and restraint synonymous with Browne’s aesthetic. The bold silhouettes elevated latex into the realm of couture.
Signature Latex Socks: Thom Browne’s signature mid-calf socks were reimagined in full latex—a detail that blended heritage styling with unexpected materiality
Hand-Appliquéd Ties: One of the most intricate elements of the collaboration. Each tie was meticulously crafted and applied by hand, adhering to Browne’s exact design specs. This process required patience, precision, and deep respect for couture craftsmanship.
This project wasn’t just a design collaboration—it was a feat of latex construction at the highest level. Every seam, curve, and appliqué was considered and executed with couture-level detail.
The tie appliqué alone required hours of handwork per piece.
Each garment was custom molded, glued, and styled in line with Browne’s vision.
We matched the elegance of classic suiting with the bold, avant-garde language of latex, proving that the material could exist within the most prestigious couture settings.
Though we didn’t receive widespread press coverage, the success was in the execution. The runway spoke for itself. And in the following season, we spotted select celebrity stylists and editors embracing similar silhouettes—an organic ripple effect of the collection’s influence.
Looking back, this moment with Thom Browne was a turning point for latex in high fashion. It showcased that latex, often misunderstood or relegated to subcultural fashion, has the power to:
It holds its own on the couture runway
Can be styled with traditional tailoring
Capture subtlety, precision, and elegance—not just shock value
It also underscored what we at Vex have always believed: that latex is a couture-worthy material when handled with care, creativity, and respect.
Relive the collaboration here:
As Paris Couture Week 2025 is upon us, we’re proud to reflect on the role we played in pushing latex forward. Our work with Thom Browne remains one of the most refined and quietly revolutionary moments in our history—a proof point that latex belongs in the couture conversation.
At Vex, we don’t just make latex garments. We create latex fashion stories—and our collaboration with Thom Browne is one we’ll always be proud to tell.
Link to our original collaboration post
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