The VFILES Depop Runway Getdown
Photograph by Hatnim Lee
It Happened in Brooklyn
To be honest, I never thought the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York would ever get made. There was so much controversy surrounding the project, but eventually, we would have the House that Bruce (Ratner) Built. It’s a good thing too, because I couldn’t see the VFILES/Debop New York Fashion Week thing happening anywhere else. You could send a starship clear across the galaxy, with the energy that was generated that evening. It was a spectacular, sold out event! Two thousand souls came through, dressed in their best, ready to partake in the festivities. This wasn’t your daddy’s runway show, this was for the young and the restless, the bold and the beautiful (no, really! You should have seen that crowd!).
Before I get into the details of what took place that night, allow me this moment to introduce the uninitiated as to what VFILES is, and why their fashion shows stand out (and to some, above) amongst all others. To put it simply, they’re all about empowering “the global youth community through fashion, music, and unique live experiences”. The musicians, artists, and designers are those individuals who are grossly underrepresented in their respective industries. You may hear others talk about being “disruptors”, but VFILES lives it. There is a creative synergy in their collective that is as palpable as it is contagious. It is the most forward cultural thing happening on this planet, right now. It is a sandbox of dreams. Hyperbole? Hardly. In fact…
The festivities popped off with Rico Nasty, belting out her hits “Roof”, “Smack a Bitch”, and “Hatin”. Decked out in custom Di Du haberdashery, Ms. Nasty strutted across the stage, giving the audience nothing less than her best. Later, Erika Jayne and Brooke Candy debuted their single “Drip,”on the runway. YG was the closer, performing his hits “Go Loko,” and “Big Bank”. These heavyweights weren’t the only ones to perform, as VFILES Loud artists Penelope, Maya Hirasedo, STVSH, Delly, and TJ Porter brought heat to the stage as well.
Di Du
Di Du is a Chinese born and Antwerp based designer and recent graduate of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp. Her SS20 collection focuses on the power of femininity, and takes inspiration from both contemporary art and underground culture. Materiality is contrasted in this season which hard futuristic materials, like metal and sleek 3D printed accessories working together with supple elements like pastel silk chiffon, feathers and lightweight leather.
Wesley Harriot
Ricky Harriott is a London based womenswear designer that launched his own line Wesley Harriott, in 2016. His SS20 collection tells a narrative of women who dominate and defy social and stereotypical boundaries. The collection includes sleek modern silhouettes that juxtapose clean modernity with pleats, tucks and impression lines, all done to emphasize strength and movement.
Pierre-Louis Auvray
Pierre Louis Auvray is London based designer and recent graduate from Central Saint Martins. His SS20 collection is a study of the point where clothing and technology collide. The lines between synthetic and natural are blurred by the choice to mix natural materials such as wool knits with discarded plastic and electronic parts. The upcycled objects and clothes play with the ideas of nostalgia and sustainability.
Nico Verhaegen
Nico Verhaegen is an Antwerp based designer and recent graduate of the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp. His SS20 collection takes inspiration from decay and rebirth and examines the frail state of big cities, combining urban motifs like cracked paint, mold and rust with clean elements. His work includes sustainable and raw materials such as CO2 neutral linen, recycled nylons, reclaimed fabrics and exposed selvedge detailing.
Nothing that happened at this here event was less than 100. It was fresh, it was fly, it was wild, and most definitely bold. The performances were fabulous, the parade of style was outstanding, and the audience was on fire! The only other time you will ever witness this level of organized chaos, is when they do it again.
Check out VFiles, and depop at your leisure.
Photographs © their respective owners.
