POAN is introducing the LOVE series that surveys the emotional spectrum of that quintessentially human quality. Besides romantic adventures and sexual desire, it shows the love of god, and the unrestrained devotion to a family.

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The current cruise collection turns to Salzburg, Austria, where the Sound of Music was made, which tells the story of a former nun whose love is taking unexpected turns. From god it deviates towards the motherly love of children, first, to transform into a romantic venture only later.

The times are harsh back then. It’s based on a true story that revolves around a girl, her relation to a former Navy general and his family during the rise of Nazis in Austria in the 1930s.

Old structures are breaking apart, a politically inhumane regime is on the rise, the future seems precarious, and unpredictable – some signs already telling the descent into the catastrophe of the second world war. Love is an alternative to war, yet, it is not always clear from the beginning where it is heading – for god, a man, or his family.

Love is hard to plan, prepare, and execute, just like a business plan. Its unpredictability, fragility, and occasional fleetingness might offer options that appear possible at once, showing an alternative, and potentially a way out of politically destructive conditions.

POAN takes a fashion spin on the story, and portrays the couple with the kids as modern love story. Yet, it keeps a sensitivity for the original context. In the 1930s, colourful curtains were repurposed as dresses – new goods were scarce back then, but lavish 19th century fabrics sometimes found still in good condition – that made the day for the girls in the early summer sun. POAN honours the idea with all-over prints from porcelain objets trouvés, dipping the family in fest of décor and colour.

There is love, and there is fashion, and they relate to each other, as they are embedded in a complex reality with shifting priorities where lucky moments deserve to be relished – they might be fleeting.

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Written for POAN by George Ghon

13th of May 2019