Psychologist Professor Robert Plutchik’s theory defines that there are eight basic emotions within the human spectrum. Fear, anger, sadness, disgust, joy, surprise, trust and anticipation. The outcome of each of these emotions is completely up to the cognitive perception. The emotions are visualized in an emotion-wheel and in-between the eight core emotions is a continuum of those same emotions in a variation of intensity, relations and combinations.

HELIOT EMIL’s ‘Compos Mentis’ is an invitation to open up the conversation about our emotions. The theme is expressed through details in the collection such as prints, fabrics and constructions of the garments. HELIOT EMIL’s SS21 collection continues the exploration of form and function and industrial elegance and further cements the HELIOT EMIL silhouette and innovative design approach. Compos Mentis illuminates the cathartic vulnerability of a fully balanced emotional equilibrium. A foundation of classically-sartorial forms and silhouettes echo through HELIOT EMIL’s reputable take on modern tactility. Motifs of harnesses and utilitarianism are deconstructions manifesting through Julius’ use of fine Italian wools and tanned leathers, visualising a psycho-physical tension for emotion harmony and aesthetical homeostasis.

The exhibition was arranged into two areas, both exploring the concept of ‘Compos Mentis’ in their own right. While one space showcased HELIOT EMIL’s SS21 collection and their collaborative installation with August Hugo, the other gave guests the opportunity to express their own interpretation of the concept on paper.