Fashion house AREA presented their Collection 04 on September 12th during the ongoing New York Fashion Week. The collection explores concepts of ancient architecture, worship, and fetish demonstrated through shape, construction, and signature embellishment. For this season, AREA focused on three motifs: Folded Pyramid reminiscing ancient architecture, Jumbo Spike which evokes a punk fresh spirit and Folded Bondage Bow which explores the themes of bondage. The collection also teases a brand new collaboration with shoe company Sergio Rossi.
Through studying the construction of ancient architecture, we developed a folded pyramid motif that was multiplied and hand-sewn to create spherical column gowns, skirts, and bodysuits of structured silk-wool, vibrant silk-duchesse, and Japanese selvage denim. This technique was then translated into 24K gold & Swarovski accessories and headpieces reminiscent of pyramids reflecting the sun. – from AREA
Evoking a punk fetish spirit, we wanted to create pieces that felt aggressively beautiful and protective in their appearance. Through researching an artistic approach to shape and geometry, we looked at Wenzel Jamnitzer’s ‘Perspectiva Corporum Regularium’ and rendered these figures into 3D-printed cones that are hand-set with hundreds of Swarovski crystals. These spikes were mounted on embroidered straps and constructed into a hardcore evening coats and cocktail dresses that demand presence. – AREA on Jumbo Spike motif
To further explore themes of bondage we looked at the work of German artist Cora Korsett. We wanted to contrast the extremes of BDSM & fetish with the classic femininity of bows. We created cage-like corset structures scattered with folded bow shapes to create sexy evening dresses and couture pannier jeans. From there, this motif was developed into metal ribbons encrusted with rhinestones that wrap and pulse around the body. In celebration of queerness, we translated these pieces into opulent airbrushed headpieces crafted of rainbow ombré crystal. – from AREA
Styling: Katie Burnett
Casting: Dan von der Graf & Andrea Prato
Hair: Jawara Wauchope using Mr. Smith & Dyson
Makeup: Patrick Glatthaar
Manicure: Ada Yeung
Music: Lukas Heerich
Production: S_Projects Global
Press: Lucien Pages Communication
Presented by Afterpay
Special thanks to Sergio Rossi & the team at AREA
