August Getty’s Immersive TINITUS Collection Brings Inclusivity and Diversity to Paris Couture Week

3 years ago

While Paris Haute Couture Week has been a celebration of fashion and a return to runway gatherings thus far, designer August Getty (he/him/she/her) has gone beyond, creating a digital universe to introduce us to TINITUS. Getty, who came out as nonbinary during the pandemic, wanted to present an all-inclusive collection that spoke to his own journey and personal transformation, but was also for everyone.

“One garment might not necessarily speak to everybody, but a collection with a variety of garments definitely can,” August told POPSUGAR of the 15-piece, hand-crafted line, continuing, “A collection that speaks to everyone needs to be relatable since it’s a form of self-expression, and it needs to make you feel universal emotions. TINITUS portrays a modern tale of self-acceptance and transformation – where the dark turns to light.”

As soon as you arrive at the landing page on augustgetty.com, you’re definitely entranced; overwhelmed with wonder about what wearing these clothes could potentially make you feel, and even who you could become in them. Getty tapped an incredible cast of models to bring this sentiment to life, including his sister-in-law, trans icon, actress, and model Gigi Gorgeous Getty. Fashion photographer Ellen von Unwerth was behind the camera to capture the diversity in the magical campaign, which you can experience in full after our interview. Scroll to see how Getty conjures up real life experiences and emotions through Couture. “Whether it has been guilt, anxiety, or depression, hopefully you can relate to the garments and see yourself in them,” he said.

August Getty / Ellen von Unwerth

PS: Your sister-in-law Gigi Gorgeous Getty modeled for the campaign [pictured above]. What was it like working with her?
AG: Working with Gigi is special because she always lights up the room. My brother Nats came to the shoot to say hi and was on the sidelines all day screaming his wife’s name, cheering her on. I think one of the best moments was after Gigi’s scene was over. I saw them sitting on set watching the next model’s shoot. I reminded Gigi that she was able to de-glam and relax if she wanted to, or even go home, but she insisted on staying in the gown with full hair and makeup because they both loved what I created. They were so supportive and cheered me on all day.

PS: What was your focus in casting the rest of the models in the campaign?
AG: It was important for us to cast models that, above all, have incredible, dynamic personalities. Photographer Ellen von Unwerth and I both agreed that we needed to fill the room with internal beauty that’s synergetic with the atmosphere. I remember so many incredible stories with our models. My best friends from Miami were in the shoot and they kept me smiling the entire day. Some of the models turned out to be acrobats who could do handstands wearing Couture at the blink of an eye. And then there was Alyona, who was our model to open up my very first show. It was a beautiful family reunion.