This exclusive movie documents the installation of giant video screens that played footage from shark thriller Jaws during Calvin Klein's Spring 2019 show, as part of New York Fashion Week.
The time-lapse footage condenses 48 hours of construction work in the lead up to the catwalk presentation, which took place the evening of 11 September 2018 at the American fashion brand's space at 205 West 39th Street.
Designer Raf Simons, who took over creative direction of Calvin Klein in 2016, drew on influences from two different classic movies for his latest collection: Jaws (1975), and The Graduate (1967).
The former also informed the backdrop for the show, chosen for its associations with transition and the unknown, as well as a predator and questioning authority.
"The landscape of America – literal, and psychological – inspires Calvin Klein," said Simons' show notes. "A journey through America leads, inevitably, to the edge of the landscape: the beach."
"At the beach there is this incredible idea of beauty, but also a tension – between land and ocean, a feeling of two worlds meeting, maybe colliding," he continued. "There's a sense of the unexpected – and always, a temptation. For me, Jaws perfectly exemplifies these notions."
Guests arrived into an entirely blood-red room, created by a combination of carpet, benches, overhead lighting, and the glow from the video screens.
Once all were seated, the digital panels fully covering two full walls illuminated with water scenes from Jaws, and the ominous theme tune echoed through the space.
Models walked out in ensembles that combined snorkelling gear, like neoprene garments and rubber accessories, and graduation garb including gowns and mortarboards.
These were worn with tweed blazers and tuxedo jackets, and layered dresses that fused 1950s prints and 1960s fabrics.
Generational shifts and differences in attitude were among the references that Simons took from The Graduate.
"Like the film, this collection explores taboos and temptations, shifts in culture and community, but ultimately, the overarching theme is love," he said.
Since joining the brand from Dior, the Belgian designer has made several moves to update its image. He worked with graphic designer Peter Saville to refresh the iconic logo, and collaborated with artist Sterling Ruby to overhaul its New York flagship store and open a new Paris headquarters.
New York Fashion Week runs this season from 6 to 14 September 2018. Similar events will follow throughout the month in London, Milan and finally Paris.