NYFW 2022: The Blonds, Hardware LDN, Dur Doux
The Blonds
a red, black, white Vixen
The Blonds [Feb 2022]
“Inspired by bohemian culture, the collection offered a range of easy silhouettes brimming with a carefree and optimistic spirit.”
The Blonds [Feb 2022]
What’s black, white, and red all over? The Blonds! This season I had the pleasure of attending the New York-based brand’s show and it did not disappoint. I walked into the coolest, darkly-lit set-up and sat down, of all people, right next to Phillipe Blond’s auntie (Newyorican tia, as she introduced herself) and Phillipe’s parents. It was such an honor to hear them all speak so highly of Phillipe as we waited for the show to begin. Phillipe Blond opened the show, strutting down the runway— but not before his tia began cheering and applauding, loud enough to hype them up backstage. Phillipe began in a black and white stoned catsuit and matching long jacket. Followed by a series of looks featuring the same pattern in various configurations, the collection was comprised of a series of black, white, and red ensembles,. Then, several of The Blonds’ beloved bedazzled corsets emerged, emblazoned with white and black crystals in large cross motifs, since the brand is primarily known for its over-the-top, glitzy, and fabulous performance wear.
The show performance felt like the Super Bowl Halftime Show, as three dancers performed in a long metallic cape with a bold red lining and sharp shoulders, which was paired with a studded black thong, as well as a sleek and relatively simple shimmering red bodysuit with prominent shoulder pads. The Blonds definitely closed it with a bang, as three models strutted down in three bodysuits in red, white, and black. Far from simple, these bodysuits were adorned with oversized plumes of tulle on the shoulders, hips. They were each paired with a color-corresponding tulle headpiece and thigh-high, high-heel leather boots. It gave us the drama, it gave volume — It seems as though the designing duo is actively playing and experimenting with new fabrics to take their dramatic vision to the next level.
The consistent use of colors gave the collection cohesiveness, yet still delivered all of the fabulousness that one would expect from the brand through their ample use of rhinestones and outrageous silhouettes. I’m definitely excited to see some of these pieces look iconic on the performer’s who wear them up on stage!
Hardware LDN
mixing harsh metal fixtures with feminine silhouettes
Hardware LDN [Feb 2022]
“It juxtaposes the softness of femininity with masculine details and creates a collection that’ll make you feel sexy and strong. ”
Hardware LDN [Feb 2022]
I started out the 2022 NYFW season with Hardware LDN and it gave the perfect “Edgy It Girl” moments. The collection features a variety of form-fitting dresses with suggestive cutouts, held together by thin metal bars. A miss of big leather trenches, baggy leather pants, and tiny leather dresses that hug the body. Paired with sheer knee socks, chunky loafers, and sleek rectangular sunglasses, these outfits are sure to find their way into the upcoming fall/winter cool girl outfits. It felt like outfits Trinity from The Matrix would wear (the ultimate cool girl of 2000s).
What created an interesting twist was the playful addition of color that brightened some of the ensembles. Pops of neon orange fur trim on leather trenches, pink tinted snakeskin, and blue stripes on black bomber sets. While the majority of the collection consists of monochromatic leather or knitted looks, the snakeskin is a must have. Horwell shows a pink snakeskin fur-trimmed trench that is absolutely to die for. It commands the attention of whoever is watching it, and would serve as an amazing outfit of any season.
Hardware LDN combines metal detailing to their womenswear to create a powerful collection. It juxtaposes the softness of femininity with masculine details and creates a collection that’ll make you feel sexy and strong.
Dur Doux
form mosaic art
“Bold, statement-making evening gowns and party dresses with a global feel, finding inspiration in Africa, India, and beyond.”
The Dur Doux “La Nouvelle Mosaïque” collection at NYFW was set in Bryant Park and it was the ultimate snow globe princess moment. As the snow flurried outside, inside we were transported to the most colorful, vibrant, mosaic of art. The collection was an exquisite composition of dresses, skirts, tops and sweaters, pants, outerwear, and evening wear in designs that mimic abstract forms and objects and irregular pieces of colored stone, glass, and ceramics. It was a pleasant surprise to see the menswear presented alongside Dur Doux’s womenswear.
The collection is a contemporary fashion interpretation of an ancient popular form mosaic art; their signature is unique textured fabrications, unexpected details, and strong but feminine designs. Very similar to the previous season, the color palette for the collection is exceptionally vibrant with focal colors of very peri, tyrian purple, goldenrod, cobalt blue, and jungle green.
Founded by the mother-daughter duo, Cynthia and Najla Burt, the label specializes in bold, statement-making evening gowns and party dresses with a global feel, finding inspiration in Africa, India, and beyond. As both designers, mother and daughter, emerged at the end of the show — they wept and hugged the audience, which made me realize how much family I was sitting among. It was a heartwarming end to a beautiful collection.
