Louis Verdad. Photo Credit: Miaus Kannekieks
Louis Verdad debuted his SS17 VERDAD collection on Monday,12th Sept in New York, marking his official come back.
Despite 15 years in the industry this was Verdad’s first ever New York presentation. After blowing up in the late 90’s with his namesake label “Louis Verdad” Verdad infamously created the two-piece suit Madonna wore in that 2003 MTV performance, (Yep.. that Britney Spears one). Subsequently Verdad became inundated with work, naming Cate Blanchett amongst his clients as Verdad's success continued to rise. However after so much success so quickly, Verdad took a break from the industry for a few years.
However this year Verdad is back and stronger than ever. The break appears to have given Verdad a fresher more youthful approach to his collection. The brand has a clear aesthetic and DNA, with an edgier feel. With a collection of denim, "the second skin in American fashion” Verdad has given the fabric a makeover and created some of the finest and chicest pieces this year's NYFW has to offer. A collection made up of separates including some stunning evening and day dresses, denim suits and jackets in both cream and blue, the collection is extensive, cohesive and luxurious yet accessible.
Silk and Denim Jumpsuit. Photo Credit: Miaus Kannekieks
“It’s sophisticated structured denim” Verdad tells me, “I wanted to use the iconic American fabric with the Louis Verdad DNA.” With Verdad’s unique use of denim, his iconic belt, the recognizable Louis Verdad button detailing and high waisted pants, the collection certainly does have ‘Verdad’ written all over it. With a structured yet free flowing elevated Bohemian vibe, the collection is stellar. Why Denim specifically, I ask Verdad, “I am saying denim is here to stay, you can dress it up or dress it down and it’s still so chic.” Verdad says as he walks me through the rest of the beautiful collection.
Stacy Fan with designer, Louis Verdad and Founder of Avant Collective, Deanne Yee.
I was looking around at a lot of the designers collections like Balmain and they were all using a lot of denim in their collection. I started to play around with it, and this is what happened
Pleated denim skirt with leather bomber jacket. Photo credit Miaus Kannekieks
'What happened’ is a collection of beautiful refined denim pieces, that Verdad has cleverly juxtaposed with softer materials like silk and silk charmeuse to create a hard and soft edge to the pieces. Speaking about the balance of both, Verdad tells me, “Each piece represents a different side to a person. And it's fresh, this skirt with pleats, it’s got a lot of attention because it’s unusual to find pleated denim and with the colour block” It certainly is fresh, paired with a deep blue leather bomber jacket sinched in at the waist with a high collar the look is tailored yet comfortable and effortlessly cool.
'Fan' Denim dress with belt detailing. Photo credit Miaus Kannekieks
We stand in front of his stunning denim ‘fan’ dress, “ I wanted a functionality, a narrative with the clothes, it’s a sexy dress but it’s versatile."
The tailoring is impeccable, each piece is detailed at both the front and the back, “I wanted the pieces to be as beautiful at the back as at the front. People always focus on the front, what about the back?” says Verdad.
Photo credit JC Cerilla
A few of the highlights of the collection include a gorgeous denim and silk jumpsuit with front slits, a denim and silk dress and a bohemian butterfly print dress. A few other hero pieces are a short denim dress with cap sleeves and belt detailing and a stunning white jacket with gold hardware.
Photo credit: Mikus Kannekieks
Embroidered denim dress. The turtle neck, 'makes it more accessible' says Verdad. (Left) Photo credit: JC Cedilla and (right) Photo credit: Mikus Kannekieks
Verdad has created a collection using the most recognizable fabric and created something so new and innovative, with pieces appropriate for both work, play and evening glamour. This might be Verdad’s first New York presentation, but if this is the sign of things to come, certainly won’t be his last. Verdad is back and stronger than ever, and bringing with him a whole new fan base.
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