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Twice a year, Fashion Week gives us the opportunity for a fresh start: emerging designers, new design features, and a start of something new.
During this time of the year, we get to see how fashion has evolved from the last time we saw a runway show. But it also makes us wonder about the future. What would it look like? What color would it be? How would we wear this, and if these are the clothes people will be wearing, what would the world around us look like?
Political Fashion is honored to bring you the highlights of DC Fashion Week, Autumn Winter 2024 / 2025
Dynamic Menswear
The energetic landscape of menswear fashion is constantly evolving, and one of the most exciting aspects is witnessing designers push boundaries by experimenting with innovative silhouettes, textures, and colors that defy traditional gender norms.
This exploration breathes new life into the industry and fosters a sense of inclusivity and self-expression. When designers embrace unconventional shapes or incorporate unexpected fabrics and hues, they are making political fashion statements that transcend social expectations and embrace their unique style identities.
This bold creativity not only challenges outdated perceptions of masculinity but also celebrates the diverse spectrum of expressions within menswear. It sparks conversations, ignites inspiration, and ultimately paves the way for a more liberated and authentic approach to fashion for everyone, regardless of gender.
Supporting emerging new fashion designers is not just about investing in their talent; it’s about nurturing the creative voices that will shape the future of fashion and culture.
Futuristic Couture
In the ever-evolving world of fashion, there’s a prevailing sentiment that everything has been done before. With decades of design history to draw upon and a constant stream of trends cycling in and out of popularity, the challenge of creating truly memorable moments in fashion has become more and more challenging.
Fashion designers find themselves navigating a landscape where originality is elusive, and the pressure to innovate feels more intense than ever. Yet, despite this saturation of ideas, the demand for memorable moments in fashion persists.
So it was very exciting to see Italian fashion designer and entrepreneur Francesca Lazzari present a collection that was full of architectural textile manipulation. The juxtaposition of organza with silky materials created a strong and cohesive fashion collection that is truly representative of what the fashion industry is all about now: creating memories instantly in photographs and social media.
The small collection that walked the runway with variations of architectural tailoring that celebrated different parts of the woman’s body was also an encouraging message for fashion entrepreneurs for new designers in a world where fast fashion is faster, and a few last names dominate the entire industry.
Black will always be the new black
When we have a full black look, then everything becomes about the silhouette and the textures. Trends that go from Barbiecore and animal print catsuits, to neons, are coming and going. Still, black remains a consumer’s favorite. Black rejects light in your body, so it helps body figures look slimmer and taller, features that many consumers enjoy when choosing their clothes.
The downside, however, is that as black is timeless and very much loved by the wider audience, it is easy for these clothes to become forgettable and boring.
It was very exciting to see head-to-toe fashion looks by Corjon International, which played with textures, volumes, and silhouettes.
Semi-transparent headpieces, feathers, and floral-inspired tridimensional elements were part of a very dramatic and strong collection that is both innovative and timeless.
Embracing Feminine Menswear
It is thrilling to see menswear fashion designers pushing the boundaries beyond the conventional and predictable “menswear fabrics.” These designers are embracing traditionally feminine textiles in ways that defy stereotypes and ignite sophistication.
It is an electrifying fusion of innovation and elegance. It is the tweed, it is the satin, it is the brocade that is blurring the lines between masculine and feminine aesthetics. This departure from the norm provokes a sense of excitement, offering a fresh perspective on men’s fashion while challenging outdated norms. The result is a collection of refined looks that command attention with their subtle yet undeniable allure, proving that true style knows no bounds and transcends gendered expectations.
As men’s fashion evolves to embrace a more inclusive and diverse landscape, these ventures into soon-to-explore territory serve as a testament to the limitless possibilities of menswear expression.
Colorful yet classic suits
As climate change continues to reshape our environment, warmer temperatures have prompted a reevaluation of traditional dress codes, particularly in formal settings.
The traditional expectations of formalwear are adapting to accommodate these changes, making dressing for professional and formal occasions more comfortable in warmer weather.
Lightweight fabrics, light colors, and breathable materials are becoming the new staples in formal attire, allowing menswear to maintain a polished appearance while staying cool and comfortable.
Fiati is a luxury clothing and accessory line that blends aspirational North American style with African gentry. In the collection presented for DC Fashion Week, the tailored garments celebrated this very same premise. The collection is understanding the context of warmer temperatures, and the need to do formalwear with less rigid dress codes, and more emphasis placed on practicality and adaptability rather than strict adherence to traditional norms.
Fashion and performing arts
The intersection of fashion and performing arts offers a captivating merge where creativity knows no bounds. Through dance, theater, music, and other forms of artistic expression, fashion becomes a dynamic tool for storytelling, character development, and visual spectacle.
Unsurprisingly, fashion designers use performing arts as their inspiration and almost as a mantra for the pieces they create.
The mission of Quinashi Chelette is “to build a revolutionary brand that houses exclusive creations by executive designer and multi-faceted artist Quinashai Chelette, falling under fashion, literature, and performing arts.” Chelette’s collection was full of color, volumes, and textures that gracefully represent fashion and performing arts.
Conversely, the performing arts also inspire and influence fashion trends, as designers draw inspiration from the stage to create collections that capture the essence of movement, drama, and expression. This fascinating blend between fashion and performing arts not only enhances the visual experience for audiences but also highlights the profound impact that both art forms have on shaping our cultural landscape.
