Collina Strada’s SS22 collection gave us an overwhelming feeling of hope and togetherness
Perhaps one of the most talked about brands in New York right now, we reflect on Collina Strada’s SS22 show, a manifestation of deadstock material, eye-popping colours and opportunities for togetherness.
DESIGNER: COLLINA STRADA
SEASON: Spring/Summer 2022 titled SNAILS PACE
EVENT: New York Fashion Week
LOCATION: The Brooklyn Grange, New York, USA
For those of you unsure of just what Collina Strada is (have you been living under a rock????), let me get you up to speed… Founded in 2008 by HILLARY TAYMOUR, Collina Strada has become synonymous with up-cycled, eco-conscious collections, creating wider dialogues and encouraging self-reflection by using the label as a self-declared “platform for social issues and awareness.” Delving into topics such as mindfulness around waste, climate change, and mental health alongside co-creative director and collaborator CHARLIE ENGMAN, Taymour makes it clear that it’s not just about the clothes; it's about encouraging people to be the best version of themselves that they can be. To not only help people feel better, but to show them how to help.
With a star-studded and, more importantly, diverse cast of models, this season saw Collina Strada work with a variety of icons comprised of LGBTQ+ activists, musicians and artists of all ages and body types. Jazzelle Zanaughtti, otherwise known as @uglyworldwide, opened the show while DORIAN ELECTRA helped close with a special performance of Happy. Longtime collaborators were partnered up with their loved ones, “to celebrate this opportunity for togetherness.”
All in all, it was a celebration splattered in hues of green, orange, red, yellow and everything in between. A continuation of their inspirational garments, this season included childlike drawings, tactile textures, and recycled jewellery. Floral tank tops were paired with pansy skirts and animal lace, princess button-ups with satin dresses and deadstock skirts. There was even a collaboration with Levi’s, followed up with make-up by ALLIE SMITH using MAC Cosmetics; hair by EVANIE FRAUSTO from Cutler Salon; wigs by TOMIHIRO KONO; jewellery by PRINCE MONKEY; and shoes by Reebok.
Never one to let an opportunity go amiss, Taymour’s show notes are often dotted with advice, mantras, or words of encouragement. “It's a chaotic time,” read this year’s show notes. “The world is changing and so are you. You dress for the mess - print on print, layer on layer. Your mind is everywhere at once. You lose concentration and break your arm while learning how to skateboard. You sleep it off in a sk8r boi's bed wearing an old wedding dress dyed green from rolling in the grass. You wake up and throw on their cargo shorts to make your time slot at the community garden. En route, you pick up a nugget of trash that might make a good belt buckle l8r. After watering your tomatoes, you meet up with Mom for dinner. She's looking a little chaotic, too. But it suits you both.” And like that, the vibe was set.
From the performance and music to the design and casting, everything carried a level of thoughtfulness to it. Even the location felt incredibly special to be a part of. For their first post-lockdown runway, Collina Strada chose to host the event at New York’s largest rooftop farm - the breathtaking BROOKLYN GRANGE, with the hope that it would help encourage guests to think about pursuing their own rooftop gardens. The entire experience felt like a deep reminder that - in an industry that can be filled with nepotism, clout chasing, and dis-ingenuity - there are refreshingly meaningful ways to engage with fashion and that despite the chaos of the world in which we’ve experienced the past couple of years, there is hope after all.
Images courtesy of COLLINA STRADA
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