Lawful Evil

February 16, 2019

Last season, Vaquera took us back to school (and sent us to detention). For their F/W '19 collection, however, designers Patric DiCaprio, Claire Sully and Bryn Taubensee went in the opposite direction, channeling avant-garde and high end interiors—like the kind you'd find in an Upper East Side penthouse overlooking Central Park.

From the fabrics (rich brocades, silks, velvets and satins) to the silhouettes (deconstructed suits and giant cupcake gowns), the collection was Regency from head to toe—a slim cut two-piece was even finished off with the tassled ropes rich people use to hold back their curtains. It was bougie AF.

But because this is Vaquera we're talking about, the collection wasn't just an exercise in fancy living—it was an exploration of class and a brilliant display of the way DiCaprio, Sully and Taubensee use at times specific, and other times conceptual influences that, when re-imagined by the trio, take on a completely new tone.

Take for example, that over-the-top cupcake dress—after all, this is a Vaquera show, so there has to be at least something huge. Paired with the brand's now-signature oversized tailoring and deconstructed suits, the frilly look almost feels wearable—almost. But it's a testament to the label's ability to mix textures, colors, shapes—even styles, like the interiors they posted on Instagram pre-show, ranging from 'Lawful Evil' to 'Neutral Good'—in a way that feels not just cohesive, but actually cool.

View some of our favorite looks (including the cupcake dress), below.

Photos courtesy of the brand.

Fashion

Luis De Javier's Puta Takeover

April 25, 2024

Last night with Luis De Javier, guests were overheard confirming this generation's most vital conundrum: “If I’m cunt, I can still be pussy.” “And if you’re pussy, you can still be cunt.” This sentiment echoed throughout the night as we celebrated De Javier’s first-ever streetwear collection, "Puta". We spent seven hours at Ella Funt at a dinner turned party that only he could’ve thrown (co-hosted by emcee). It was too dark for even the most aspiring-to-look-mysterious of us to wear sunglasses inside. Under the semi-oppressive flash of party photographers, we danced as much as the space would allow, drank tequila out of teacups and kissed each other on the cheeks with a vaguely European intimacy. “I’m doing streetwear!” De Javier could be heard exclaiming — whether it be in disbelief or excitement, we couldn’t tell you.

Words and photos by Izzy Capulong

The Spanish-born London-based designer has been well-loved for his genderless tailoring, latex mastery, and overall message of empowerment. Dressing everyone from ravers to A-listers, De Javier’s latest drop pushes his design repertoire to a new level. “While designing for my celebrity clientele and showcasing my creations on the runway has always been my dream,” he notes, “It’s equally important to me that my brand resonates with a wider, more diverse audience.” While this collection’s medium has shifted from corsets to sweatshirts, the classic LDJ avant-garde sensibilities remain. Bikinis and booty shorts are shamelessly emblazoned with “PUTA,” blazers are constructed with ample shoulder padding, and I had my eye on the cheekily-named “Faguette Bag.”

The Puta collection will be available exclusively on emcee.

Fashion

Nadia Lee Cohen Celebrates Paris Texas Launch at the Chateau

To celebrate the launch, Cohen and founder and creative director of Paris Texas, Annamaria Brivio hosted an intimate dinner at the Chateau Marmont pictured below. Arman Naféei entertained guests throughout the evening with a special playlist he curated for the occasion.

Fashion

Dating Olympics

April 23, 2024

In the wake of significant challenges including the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian war which has heavily impacted production and logistics, Syndicate continues to innovate by integrating themes of survival, resilience, and the complex emotions involved in modern relationships. The collection features bold, thematic elements such as textual prints derived from real-life break-up phrases embodying the irony and emotional depth of contemporary dating narratives.

Some of the collection prints were created in collaboration with Magalie Heroux — a London-based graphic designer, the "Dating Olympics" collection employs a mix of early 2000s aesthetics with simple, impactful fonts and ironic slogans, capturing a nostalgic yet fresh vibe. The use of heat-reactive techniques further enriches the tactile experience, emphasising the warmth and connection that are essential to human interaction.

Text Alex Blake
Photography Vidar Logi
Styling Ira Vasylevska & Magalie Heroux
Casting & Production Andriy Zozulya, Taras Schevchuk
Hair Ruth Javy
Makeup Martina de Rosa
Models Sleeze McQueen, Dylan Proudfoot, Olive Harvey
Assistant Tony Poly

Shot by the Icelandic photographer and frequent Björk collaborator Vidar Logi, who's known for his distinctive style that blends natural landscapes with human elements, the “Dating Olympics” campaign is the perfect visual ode to the creative vision of the Syndicate founders Taras and Iryna.

With this collection, Syndicate not only addresses the hardships faced by many due to the current geopolitical situation but also celebrates the enduring human spirit to love and connect, even in times of adversity. The "Dating Olympics" is more than a fashion statement—it's a testament to the resilience and adaptability of love.