Seven Fall 2023 Fashion Collaborations

As we’re close to saying goodbye to 2023, Fashion Reverie has compiled a list of seven fashion collaborations that a sure to pave the way for the future. From the intersection of luxury and streetwear to fashion icons embedding their unique touch onto iconic brands, Fashion Reverie is providing you with a roundup of upcoming fashion collabs.

Image courtesy of complex.com

A$AP Rocky X PUMA

When streetwear, luxury, and motorsport fuse, you can count on a fashion icon like A$AP Rocky to deliver on a timeless collab.  His first collection showcases a long sleeve tee shirt with ‘90s-style graphics of toy cars embedded in football jersey fabric, stylized PUMA denim jeans, gloves with a heat map printed on the palm, and a distressed hat that has a classic with iconic PUMA logo on it.

Image courtesy of anyoldiron.com

Any Old Iron X Smiley Launch

If you’re looking for a vibrant aura while in style, the Any Old Iron X Smiley collaboration is just what you need for fall 2023. With a variety of sequined designs in eye-catching colorways, this collab will have your closet shining like a smile. This collaboration combines the rock ’n’ roll world of Any Old Iron with the iconic Smiley brand, allowing you to step into a new world of fashion.

Image courtesy of Balmain

Beyonce X Balmain

When an iconic singer with timeless music collaborates with a brand with timeless pieces, you know it’s a once in a lifetime event. Coming off of her RENAISSANCE tour, it’s no surprise that the quality of this collaboration conjures up images of a revigorated Balmain. In other words, a renaissance of sorts.

Beyoncé and her stylist Marni Senofonte, featuring a hammered metal bustier covered in spikes, a black velvet gown embroidered with pink feathers and a show-stopping silver fringed mini dress with a matching cape. A short strapless dress with wig and cape, all embroidered with lurex fringes, crystals, and rhinestones.

Image courtesy of H&M

H&M AND RABANNE

H&M took an unexpected twist in their story and joined forces with Rabanne to give us a timeless collection, where classic silhouettes of the 70s combined with the projected opulence of the future. With dresses that look like a rain shower of gold and silver, you can adopt glamor as your middle name. With the beaded disc-embellished earring to compliment the look, the compliments you’ll get will be music to your ears.

Cabin Luggage

Rimowa X Tiffany & Co.

For those looking to travel in style, this collaboration is just what you need. This dazzling capsule collection emulates the diamond element from Tiffany & Co’s signature design mixed with RIMOWA’s craft and innovation, providing the perfect look for your traveling adventures. With this collection showcasing a jewelry case, jewelry vanity, and Rock Cut Cabin, not only will you be going the distance, but so will your style.

Image courtesy of hypebeast.com

Moncler and Pharrell Williams

After his successful collection debut at Louis Vuitton, Pharrell Williams reunites with Moncler, in a new outerwear collaboration. In this collaboration zippers allow long trousers to transform into shorts, duvet blankets can double as capes, and jackets can convert to utilitarian fisherman’s vests.

The garments aren’t just functional, they make a statement in signature silhouettes. The logo patches are detachable, as well as some of the pockets and keychains, enabling the wearer to personalize the pieces to their liking. The color palette of slate gray, moss green, lichen, and cloud reinforce the theme of uniting town and countryside in a fresh and harmonious way.

Image courtesy of fashionunited.com

Jean Paul Gaultier X Jimmy Choo

Two iconic luxurious brands coming together sounds like a match made in heaven. Putting a new edge on couture footwear, the rich history of both brands will be embedded in the collection, honoring the past, as well paving the way for the future. The collection brings together the house codes of both labels to create a riotous, tongue-in-cheek capsule that features tattoo print, Perspex heels with miniature versions of Big Ben and the Eiffel Tower in them, and printed denim.

—Lauren Pierre-Louis

Dippity Don’t Says: October 2023

Image courtesy of dailyexpress.com

Fashion Reverie would like to take this moment to wish you all a happy fall. Halloween season is upon, and October fashion also includes moments for great costumes. While you were at the Spirit Halloween store trying to figure out what to dress as, Fashion Reverie was gathering scandals and getting the behind-the-scenes dish in the fashion industry. Dippity Don’t is prepared with your October treats.

This designer, who was known for being on a reality fashion competition series, was originally one of the headlining acts for this New York Fashion Week (NYFW) event. However, after this scandalous lawsuit against this reality star, he had to pull out. The case is currently making its way through court, and it’s unclear as to when he’ll return the runway in the wake of his legal woes.

This designer, who had a spectacle of a fashion show during NYFW, was almost a few sponsors shy of his fashion show not occurring. At the eleventh hour, his sponsors pulled out, leaving him high and dry, with the venue asking who was going to pay the bills. While the show went on, payment on those bills was delayed.

A fashion designer, who was profiled by the New York Times, has been dropped by her PR firm. She was reportedly increasingly difficult to work with and was become known for her volatile social media persona. While the designer has talent, it looks like her attitude is setting her brand behind the eight ball, so to speak.

Image courtesy of hazlitt.com

This top fashion designer is set to launch a new line; however, they are now in hot water. Clips have resurfaced discussing how she once complained about using Black models. In this day and age and with Black consumers being major drivers of luxury fashion sales, it’s not a good look for her amid a brand launch.

One top fashion editor’s sitting placements and early show departures caused quite a scandal during Paris Fashion Week. She reportedly expressed disdain at being seated next to this major celebrity and also left one major designer’s show during the finale walk. What happened to fashion show etiquette?

The new creative director’s first collection for this major luxury brand just landed in stores … but it doesn’t look like they are seeing the sales rebound. After sales fell to the depths of Hades under their last creative director, this brand is desperate for a rebound. Is it possible they’ve lost too many of their old customers to reclaim their once coveted status?

—Mr. Dippity Don’t 

New York International Bridal Week Fall 2024 Pre-coverage

Image courtesy of bellabelle.com

If you live in New York City and you are a fashion industry professional, you are very aware of the fact that New York Fashion Week and Bridal Week are scheduled very close to each other. In fact, the two fashion weeks are only a month apart.

The close scheduling of these two esteemed fashion weeks gives industry professionals only a short breather between the hustle and bustle and the fabulosity. And though New York Fashion Week undoubtedly has more variety in terms of bold color, fashion-forward sensibility, and design aesthetic, Bridal Week does hold its own.

Several things have occurred in the bridal market that should be acknowledged. For way too long bridal design was the province of white bridal designers with a few Asian and Latin designers thrown in for good measure. That is no longer the case, The bridal market has expanded to include designers of color from not only the US, but designers that have deep roots in Eritrea, Nigeria, Syria, Egypt, and Haiti.

Image courtesy of weddingtales.gr

Additionally, the bridal market has expanded to include more options for grooms and the wedding party in general. All these new directions have resulted in a bridal market that is more inclusive, diverse and ever evolving. And Fashion Reverie will be front center bring our viewers all the action.

Stay tuned!!

Staff

 

Fall 2023 Trends

As we are solidly into the fall season, old trends are back with fresh new twists. Autumn staples are receiving updates and designers are pushing the boundaries of old classics. They are leaving the staid fall color pallets behind embracing the saturated versions like Fiery Red.

Images courtesy of Citizens of Humanity and Levi’s

Resurgence of Denim

This fall denim is back once again and more popular than ever, appearing in new experimental ways. Not only will you find denim in its traditional form as jeans, but many brands and designers are using denim in a nontraditional sense. Long skirts, oversized jeans, cargo jeans and overshirts are just some of the denim pieces that are popular this season. Classic jeans are also getting an update which is exemplified with Emma Chamberlin’s collab with Levi’s harkening back to the 90’s when patches were commonly found. This fresh update also pays homage to the current trend of Thrift flips as well, where people are updating old jeans with creative patches of other used clothing.

The Skinny Jean resurgence is not happening this fall, Designers are continuing to offer more straight leg and even oversized jeans as well as releasing runway-inspired shapes such as the Horseshoe Jeans by Citizens of Humanity. Full denim looks are back again, now with new interpretations such as pairing tops with denim bottoms in the same or similar wash and embracing the super baggy fit. This fall we will be seeing denim used not only as a staple but also as statement pieces.  

Images courtesy of Annakiki and Banana Republic

Big Shoulders

Big shoulders were seen repeatedly on the fall 2023 runway, embracing a trend that developed alongside the women’s movement. This fall designers are challenging the idea that broad shoulders are not feminine. Annakiki translated this trend into big puffy shoulders as part of a long sleeve houndstooth mini dress. Another designer that utilized this trend was Luar, who created a full-length dress in the style of a double-breasted coat with strong statement shoulders. Many mass market brands have been inspired to bring back boxy padded shoulders, such as Banana Republic as with a specific top are embracing the sharp and clean shoulder silhouettes of this fall. This trend is very in line with the wave of more androgynous clothing that challenges gender stereotypes.

Images courtesy of Fendi and Chanel

Dresses and Skirts over Pants

The 2000’s fashion trend resurgence continues with the return of a trend that continues to be controversial. Layering skirts and dresses over pants were often a more juvenile look in the early 2000s, this trend is now back with a mature transformation. Instead of the youthful mixing and matching of patterns, you will now see this layering done within the same color or in matching tones.

Fendi and Chanel are just two of the fashion brands who have contributed to this resurgence. This look is more versatile than ever, even being translated into athleisure wear by pairing the look with tennis shoes or making it office appropriate by throwing a pleated skirt over a traditional suit for a fun feminine touch. Monochromatic pieces are a great way to get into this trend for a sleek yet fashionable update on the normal fall outfit. For those who are feeling brave, feel free to mix textiles and silhouettes like combining a flowy skirt with a structured pair of pants.

Image courtesy of Fendi

Elevated Trench Coats

Another classic trend that is making a comeback with a twist is the trench coat. Designers are taking this piece and giving it show stopping upgrades such as Fendi’s Sparkly trench coat or experimenting with asymmetrical hems. The popularity and reinvention of the trench coat also goes hand in hand with the emergence of business casual being brought to the mainstream market. Brands love the statement trench coat. You will be able to find them in all shapes, textures, and patterns this fall.

Images courtesy of Ferragamo and Tory Burch

Fiery Red Color Tones

Goodbye Barbie Pink and Hello Fiery Red. This fall there is a new statement color in town. Designers and brands alike are embracing this bold color that is likened to fashion’s favorite accessory, a bold red lip. No more muted tones like Ox-Blood from fall season past, this fall brighter, and bolder tones will be the trend. Ferragamo and Tory Burch are some of the brands that are showing the versatility of this new IT color. Its versatility can be demonstrated in it being found anywhere from shoes and accessories to coats and even recycled leather pants like the ones from Agolde.

Phoebe Howard

 

Dippity Don’t Says: September 2023

Image courtesy of adobe.com

Happy start of Fashion Month, darlings!! As Fashion Month nips at our heels, Fashion Reverie has the tea pot hot and ready. Prepare your teacups, as Mr. Dippity Don’t have some treats for you.

A designer known for his blinged-out streetwear is currently in a battle with his building’s co-op board over his desired renovations. Many of his customers wonder why they have seen no changes to the store’s interior in months. Maybe they should talk to the co-op board, ha ha!! Let’s see how this battle between the designer and the co-op board goes.

Image courtesy of eurostartenterprises.com

A top fashion executive, who recently departed this top Italian fashion brand has been rumored moving to a top French luxury brand. This would be a shocking move because the family that owns this brand has a tight grip on the reins. What’s brewing in the succession tea leaves?

This longtime American fashion designer is giving up his CFDA membership after a spat with the organization’s president. The powers that be would do well to treat these American fashion brands better, especially during these turbulent economic times in the fashion industry. Nevertheless, the show must go on.

A certain haircare brand owned by this top influencer is allegedly expanding beyond their haircare business in some good news. The likely products are skincare or cosmetics, but nothing has been confirmed, quite yet. However, product offerings beyond their haircare line are in development.

Image courtesy of pinterest.com

This top fashion magazine known for its legendary New York Fashion Week party can’t afford to put on its usual soirée. We are hoping this legacy publication is only going through turbulent times, as it is one of the few remaining staples of fashion media. Oh, how the mighty are struggling!!

A notable American luxury department store was just shy of not being able to put on its annual September New York Fashion Week party, as their bottom line isn’t what it used to be. However, they were saved last minute by this major financial company providing sponsorship. Have friends, will travel, or at least get your hands and stomachs on on some hors d’oeuvres and champagne.

Image courtesy of pinterest.com

One celebrity’s lifestyle brand has yet to still turn a profit, but somehow investors are still floating her money. However, it’s unclear how much longer the brand is sustainable. It’s looking like she’s trying to turn it into Uber where it’s too big to fail so her business doesn’t have to close.

Mr. Dippity Don’t

New York Fashion Week Spring 2024 Season Pre-Coverage

Image courtesy of fashionista.com

When temperatures start to cool down slightly—well, not exactly this year—and students head back to school, you know that it is that time of the year, the start of a new fashion season. New York Fashion Week (NYFW) almost marks the start of a new fashion season, always taking place right after Labor Day.

Unlike Bridal Fashion Week, which shows collections a year in advance, NYFW shows the spring fashion collections in September, only six months in advance. And some NYFW collections are employing the see-now-buy-now business model in which consumers can buy garments right off of the runway.

Image courtesy of rugsociety.com

That said, like previous fashion weeks, some of the most well-known American fashion brands continue to present collections at NYFW, namely Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs, Anna Sui, Proenza Schouler, Bibhu Mohapatra, Christian Siriano, Badgley Mischka, Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren, Tory Burch, plus others. Additionally, there are fashion brands making their debut at NYFW week. The list includes Bugatchi, Mirror Palais, Priscavera, Nicholas Raefski, NARDOS, Connor McKnight, Zankov, Retrayage, Diotima, Kallmeyer, Ashlyn, and many others. In fact, this season there appears to be a significant injection of brands debuting at NYFW.

Fashion Reverie will be front and center bringing on viewers all the action from the runways and behind the scenes. Follow us and stay informed!!

—Staff

Fashion Reverie’s Top Five Fall 2023 American Fashion Campaigns

Glance at the calendar and you might be in for a surprise—fall is almost here! As any fashion lover knows, with the fall comes the slew of September covers, Fashion Weeks around the globe and, of course, the stunning new campaigns. With so much happening in the next couple of months, it can feel difficult to keep track of everything … which is why Fashion Reverie is here, bringing the front row directly to you!

First things first, before the new fashion season starts, let’s talk about all the new campaigns. With each new collection that comes with the change of season, designers and large companies work hard to gather the attention of consumers. Now this is often done by social media; however, for the fall 2023 season consumers are blessed with the fall seasons fashion campaigns.

September always brings the best fashion campaigns. Below you will find Fashion Reverie’s favorite fall 2023 fashion campaigns. There are many to choose from, but for now Fashion Reverie has limited the ‘Top Five.’

Kendall Jenner for Calvin Klein

To sound like a 20-something that just got TikTok, this Calvin Klein fall 2023 campaign is awe inspiring. With Kendall Jenner as the focus of this campaign with its stunning array of black and white images and tag line of “For fall 2023, Calvin Klein redefines sensuality through scenes of pleasure and play.”

Take in the full (star-studded) fall campaign and your jaw drops. With Alexa Demi, Kid Cudi, and Jung Kook all taking part, the result has made this campaign one of the top 2023 fall fashion campaigns.

Pamela Anderson for Aritzia

Continuing the Pamela-issance that started after the release of Pamela Anderson’s Netflix documentary, the fashion industry has been giving Anderson lots of love. Sealing the deal is this Aritzia campaign. Shot at Anderson’s own home, this campaign showcases the former Playboy model’s favorite spots as she flaunts Aritzia’s new designs.

Icon campaign for Victoria’s Secret

Anyone that grew up on Youtube videos of the Victoria’s Secret runway shows will understand the true impact of this campaign. Debuting just after the announcement that the fashion show will be coming back for the first time since 2018, the ‘icon’ campaign headlines celebrated angels and models Naomi Campbell, Adrianna Lima, and Gisele Bundchen. Along with these iconic supermodels, models of this new era such as Adut Akech and Paloma Elesser are included, giving us all a taste of what’s to come as the brand works to change its perception.

Marc Jacobs with Kim Kardashian

Another day, another Kardashian campaign. This one is with Marc Jacobs, a designer who regularly has pop icons front his campaigns.

 Having a major entertainment figure front your campaign that has worldwide appeal is always a major bonus because it can draw in people from all walks of life. And who’s better to do that than Kim K? The modern images, filled with enlarged silver balloons and even some huge mary jane’s give off the perfect combination of both Marc Jacobs and Kim K’s personality! A true work of art.

Images courtesy of the respective brands

Carolina Herrera with Christy Turlington

As if this fall wasn’t already filled with star-studded campaigns, Christy Turlington posed in a stunning spread for new Carolina Herrera items. Particularly featuring the new insignia handbags of the company, the veteran model showed everyone just how stylish legendary chic can be.

—Sydney Yeager

Up and Coming Fashion Models to Look Out for the Spring 2024 Season

Images courtesy of fashionunited.com

The New York modeling industry is notoriously fickle. Hundreds, if not thousands, would claim themselves to be a ‘up-and-coming’ model in the city of around eight million people. Yet, there are only a few, at least in the fashion industry, that could truly be thought of as up-and-coming models. Those that qualify haven’t had just one stunning photoshoot for a brand, but several. They are claimed by ruling modeling agencies and have walked the runways for some of the largest designers during Fashion Week’s all around the world.

For New York Fashion Week (NYFW) spring 2024 season this September, Fashion Reverie has talked with model management agencies, researched the upcoming crop of models, and our picks are in. Below are the top eight models to keep your eye on the upcoming season.

Alay Deng

The key to being an amazing model is to add character to the clothing, and whether Alay Deng is the focus for an editorial or walking the runway, she manages to always add an extra layer of dimension to any look. Over the past few years, Deng has been gaining traction and has strutted the catwalk in not only New York Fashion Week, but also Paris and Milan. This season we’re looking forward to having her once again enter the sacred loins of New York Fashion Week. While we don’t yet know which shows she will be in, we’re all crossing our fingers in hopes she might again present for Marc Jacobs as she has in previous seasons.

Damian Finlayson

Finding a male model that has a dynamic and androgynous way of dressing might be becoming less rare, but that doesn’t mean it’s the norm. That is, unless you are Damian Finlayson, who has mastered the art of still looking masculine in the somewhat feminine looks that he is styled in. We’ve seen Damian walk in the Saint Laurent men’s show, as well as Vivienne Westwood, and Gucci under the directorship of Alessandro Michele. What’s next, you might wonder … wowing in New York!

Rose Pattenn

Already a NYFW native, Pattenn has walked in previous shows for Elena Valez, Vivienne Tam, and Raisa Vanessa—yes, the very same Raisa Vanessa who created a custom piece for the Beyonce Renaissance tour! This season there’s no telling what the striking model will be wearing, but without a doubt she’ll make our jaws drop.

Stephanie Quezada

There is something breath taking when a model is still able to keep a down-to-earth vibe while balancing a high-end life and Stephanie does this perfectly. Her fun and seemingly quirky attitude shines through every photoshoot and catwalk. Mainly based in New York, Quezada has modeled for Diesel, Laquan Smith, Prabal Gurung, and Marine Serre in recent years. Continuing to grow, we can look forward to seeing her on the runways of New York this fall.

Elizabeth Seibert

A bit more well-known is Liz Seibert. Going slightly viral on ‘modeltok’ in 2020, Seibert shares the less glamorous aspects of working in the modeling industry. Despite being open about these topics and sharing some of her recovery from an eating disorder on social media, she continues to gain traction within the industry and has started to walk for much larger brands such as Naeem Khan and Mouton Blanc in Paris.

Leissy de la Cruz

An international runway model that has stunned in all cities of ‘the Big Four’—New York, Paris, London, and Milan—it’s no shock that we’re looking forward to de la Cruz coming to NYFW this September. After walking in the Charlotte Knowles London runway last season and being cast in a Theophilio campaign, it seems like she could break the internet at any time.

Nariah Nicolle

Considered to be a doppelganger of Kendall Jenner, Nicolle has fought her way into being a well- known model during Milan Fashion Week. Hitting the catwalk for both Roberto Cavalli and Fendi Couture, she’s created quite the name for herself. The next step? Ruling the runways of New York!

Bastien de Bels

A male model prominent in Milan, Bastien de Bels has walked in runways for Emporio Armani and Fiorucci. Holding an equally prominent presence in the editorial world, de Bels brings life to advertisements. From a campaign for Replay to various Armani ads and GQ spreads, it’s exciting to observe de Bels create a solid place for himself in the industry.

—Sydney Yeager

 

Dippity Don’t Says: August 2023

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Happy August, fashion darlings. The last full month of summer is here, which means it’s time to use those vacation days, if you haven’t already.

While we know you might be craving a nice cold glass of iced tea, Fashion Reverie has some piping hot gossip tea to serve. We hope that your AC is on high with what we’re about to serve, especially after that heat wave. Without further ado …

This eveningwear fashion designer known for his red-carpet gowns went on an entire rant on social media because he’s been seemingly ex-communicated by the fashion industry. It appears stylists have stopped pulling his clothes and members of the fashion and entertainment industry have begun declining his social invitations. One day you’re in, the next you’re out. And, this designer may be out, out, out!!!

This publishing house, which recently laid off 41 staff members, is rumored to be folding this digital-only publication. It’s a tumultuous time for publishing, and while this publishing house has its share of top-tier publications, the profits being churned out aren’t enough to save this fledging title.

Image courtesy of pinterest.com

This notable American fashion designer recently outed this financer involved with the CFDA as a loan shark. The shameful part is that the backer of many emerging designers and has been financing emerging designers/brands for years. He’s riding high and living the high life while many emerging designers just trying to get by. Shame, shame, shame!!

A particular long-time reality fashion series is heavily underpaying its current cast. With many of these designers living in New York, the pay scale is just enough an episode to pay for rent in a one-bedroom apartment and nothing else. Hopefully, this will lead to some good designer work for them afterward, in the six-figure range because their paychecks are pitiful.

Mr. Dippity Don’t

Yaku Stapleton’s Versatility Paves the Way for Futuristic Fashion

Image courtesy of dazed.com

Within the fashion industry, there are a finite number of designers that go above and beyond when it comes to creativity and versatility. With many fashion talents scattered around the world, Yaku Stapleton is one of those designers that is pushing the proverbial fashion envelope.

Stapleton’s philosophy on design draws upon Astrofuturism, a concept that explores the elements of science fiction and African mythology in support of black identity. It’s fascinating to see how Stapleton designs with expression and introspection of his own thoughts and personal identity. His work, although personal, shows how the future of design lies within the creator who is constantly striving to adapt and innovate to the changing world.

Images courtesy of dazed.com

Yaku Stapleton is from the cathedral city of St. Albans, just outside of London in England. He entered the university with a focus on geography and later ended up switching to fashion. When Stapleton got the opportunity to attend Central Saint Martins, a prestigious arts school in London, he further explored his fashion interests combined with personal aspects of his life. This included things like being with family, video games like RuneScape, card games, and the generalities of his life.

In February, Stapleton won the L’Oréal Professional Creative Award, the top honor for the Central Saint Martins’ MA fashion show for his 2023 collection. This show was presented during London Fashion Week and featured the schools’ most cultivated designers from their prestigious graduate program. Stapleton’s graduate collection, entitled “The Impossible Family Reunion in RPG Space: Research into the Afro-Futurism Movement,” envisioned members of his family as characters in the RPG (Role-playing Game) RuneScape. Each garment was beautifully designed and intricately built to perfection.

Stapleton’s fashion collections are not meant to be runway spectacles, rather an examination of the concept of living and designing beyond oneself. Each new design demonstrates the power of what can blossom by seeking out distractions from the unpleasantries of the world that encapsulates us.

Fashion Reverie: Family is a huge reference point for you in your work with clothes and furniture. Can you go into detail about those alternate realities that draw on inspiration from RPG games like RuneScape? 

Yaku Stapleton: When thinking about RuneScape, it was about thinking about the game itself and how the game felt when stepping into this alternate world. But, it was also about thinking how people around me felt at the time and then capturing that emotion of how they felt. My sister, for example, was quite scary when she was a teenager, and I was an annoying six-year-old. So, I channeled that emotion and then created characters that relay that sense of feeling and other characters of those people during that specific time in life. 

Images courtesy of Yaku Stapleton

FR: Once you take a character and give it inspiration, what is the next step in your creative process?  

Yaku Stapleton: When I created these characters, my thought was to translate the digital and abstract view of these different family members into real life. I wanted to find the balance between this super raw digital look and combine that with functional fashion that can be worn and be experienced outside of the collection itself. 

FR: What does your work aim to do in terms of creating a universal message?  

Yaku Stapleton: My work is constantly building on the past and so that really helps me to continue researching new aspects and ideas. The concepts for my designs came from looking at perception and scale of human form. 

FR: Can you discuss how you go about the conceptualization of your work between fashion and furniture? 

Yaku Stapleton: Furniture, specifically in the concept of fashion is quite interesting to me. It is important to look at how the concepts and ideas that I create, mainly in fashion, can then be applied to different practices that are outside of clothes since that transition helps you to see the strength of the concept itself. 

FR: How have you incorporated sustainability into your designs?  

Yaku Stapleton: The sustainable efforts began during the COVID-19 lockdown when I wasn’t earning money, so I needed to find materials. So, I was taking scrap wood and staple guns and using what I learned from past research of having an essence to carry things forward.

I was not necessarily aiming to be sustainable but after realizing few designers have that approach, I quickly began seeing a lot more intrigue surrounding that aspect of my work. Creating something that doesn’t look like waste adds another layer of telling people that you can design and create interesting things without destroying the planet. 

Image courtesy of Yaku Stapleton

FR: What can the fashion industry look forward to from you? 

Yaku Stapleton: Expect a summer capsule that’s direct to consumer. I want to build an understanding and provide some access to the pieces that I am working on now for summer. Beyond the summer collection, [people can] expect me to continue adding new reference points.

 I find it important to self-critique by examining what has been done before and continuing this expansion outside of just fashion. There are a lot of new people in my audience, so it would be nice to show people that I am continuing to adapt my approach to entirely brand-new concepts.  

—Ryan Salfino

 

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