Good point. I did not see the entire collection. To see this piece
in the context of the collection, would perhaps suggest additional interpretations. This piece by itself is magnificent, poetic in its dual paradoxical directions. On one hand, as you point out, there is the
covering, protective gesture, on the other, there is a homelessness
feeling about it, a feeling of not having a proper place, a feeling of disconnection. Under the surrealist playfulness there are additional layers.

I disagree: indeed first impressions are not enough. This piece has an oneiric dimension on one hand, on the other, it has a playful anti- fashion statement about it, perhaps as in a Miro painting, of a certain period, that wanted to be an anti-painting statement. A third dimension, perhaps, could be a ‘go ahead and grope me’
allusion, an indirect reference, perhaps, to the alluring nature of the work of other designers, at best, but I doubt the possibility of ‘a female submissive’ reading.
I just fail to see it. Perhaps, all it is, is a beautiful, unexpected image.

‘the viewer at a Commes des Garçons presentation is never left feeling that first impressions are valid, for even an apparent prettiness can mask deeper, subliminal complexities. When the series of ensembles with padded hand motifs appeared, the ostensible playfulness of the gesture paradoxically precipitated the kind of momentary disquiet that a Schiaparelli/Dalí collaboration has never provoked.’

Good point. A Schiaparelli/Dali collaboration is unidemensional.