Gladiators between fetish and colours : Andrea Cammarosano's 'I'm a Monster' collection

Designer Andrea Cammarosano’s new ‘I'm a monster’ collection was inspired by the Maori. However, it wasn’t the typical tattoos and masks, but rather the big, sturdy men in short, frayed grass skirts that inspired him.

He found even more inspiration in Turkish saunas. The influence of his mentor Walter van Beirendonck is quite evident too. Add a dash of fetish. An unusual mixture you say? Surprise! Surprise!

The collection's pictures look as if they have been taken during a gladiatorial fight, the location is wild and fenced off by gates. Muscular men, holding Rottweilers on a leash present colourful frayed skirts, very low cut tank tops and tight shorts.

The outfits are complete with fetish straps and harnesses by Toys for Boys as well as sneakers by Walter van Beirendonck.

Cammarosano's 'Monsters' are friendly though. He uses them to describe a moment that makes you think; ‘somehow I do not belong here’. However, in the world of fashion this turns out to be an advantage rather than a disadvantage, it makes you individual and original.

Born in Italy, he studied at the Antwerp Academy, worked for Beirendock and moved to London to start his own label. Subsequently he commuted between London, Antwerp, San Francisco and Amsterdam, where he will be artist in residence at the Rijksacademie from February to April 2011.

Andrea says: "Do the right thing, and thank you for the attention.”

www.andreacammarosano.com