Elena Velez: Year Zero — Rinascita

September 17, 2021

In their New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2022 presentation, “Year Zero — Rinascita,” Milwaukee-based label Elena Velez explores the deep-seated intricacies of duality. The show, held in a Lower East Side warehouse, transformed the space into a brutalist fantasy with the use of salvaged ship sails, repurposed Milwaukee steel, latex, PVC, cotton gauze, and acrylic.

The design of the space invoked a feeling of awe-inspiring wonder paired equally with a sentiment of uneasiness through its silence and the mannequin-like stillness of the models. Such impressions perfectly illustrate the ultimate concept of the presentation, which “contemplates the tension between bondage and shelter, and the duality of enclosure: the power to shield yet ensnare.” says the show notes.

Text by Deren Owji
Photos courtesy of David Bechtel

Particular highlights in the collection included models encapsulated in structures of repurposed steel. Their resigned poses in the beautifully crafted pieces indicated a sense of acceptance in such bondage, discomfort-invoking as it may be. The presentation of footwear on several of the models was also of note, with what seemed to be sculptural shells cast and drilled around their feet. The physicality of these elements truly took the dedication to the conceptual inspiration for the show to an unparalleled level.

View the collection here.

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Vans x Sterling Ruby Return with New Collection

December 03, 2024

Vans and artist Sterling Ruby are teaming up again for a bold second collection through OTW by Vans, launching on December 5, 2024. The seven-piece lineup includes footwear and apparel inspired by Ruby’s art, featuring deep green and gold tones, rotting jack-o-lantern graphics, and monster claw motifs.

The collection includes four shoe designs, such as the Old Skool 36 and Sk8-Hi 38, crafted with premium materials like goatskin and sustainable cotton. It also introduces apparel with striking graphics and a bold slogan: “ABSOLUTE CONTEMPT FOR TOTAL SERENITY.”

Punk band Mannequin Pussy stars in the campaign, photographed by Nayquan Shuler during a live performance. Prices range from $125 to $200 and will be available at otw.vans.com starting December 5.

By Enzo Holdt
Photography by courtesy of VANS OTW

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Timberland and Veneda Carter Reimagine Classics with Bold Metallics

November 23, 2024

Veneda Carter teams up with Timberland once again, bringing a fresh edge to archival designs in their latest capsule collection. Highlight pieces include towering lace-up boots in electric blue and silver, alongside a sleek reinvention of Timberland’s iconic 6-Inch boot, both crafted with patent leather and recycled materials.

The collection also introduces rugged, versatile outerwear like oversized parkas, utility vests, and a statement boiler suit, all built for layering and durability. Inspired by industrial design and early 2000s fashion, Carter infuses each piece with a contemporary energy that feels both striking and wearable.

The collection is now available and can be found at flagship Timberland stores, online, and select retailers worldwide..