No Sesso Struck "Ghetto Gold"

December 14, 2021

For the eminent brand No Sesso, ‘no’ is not an answer worth accepting. The brand shattered all glass ceilings, and history, in 2019’s New York Fashion Week and has returned with yet another collection like no other — a collection defined by richness and opulence, yet one that still remains tied to No Sesso’s roots of empowering all identities and backgrounds.

Collection 4, “Ghetto Gold,” debuted at Art Basel Miami, establishing the line as not only garments to grace our physiques, but works of art to be proudly flaunted. “Ghetto Gold” takes us to an enchanting realm where the only thing that radiates brighter than the silky textiles and glistening jewels employed in the designs is the melanin of each of the models’ regal bodies.

Interview by Kayla Curtis-Evans
Photos by Kennedi Carter
VFX by Chris Cadaver and Louis Celano

Rejoice in the power and grandeur of “Ghetto Gold.” office had a chance to sit and talk with visionaries and co-designers of No Sesso, Pierre Davis and Autumn Randolph, where we discuss the broader philosophical ideas that reinforce the collection, their experiences designing their first-ever full couture line, and more.

Your latest collection, “Ghetto Gold” is inspired by Afrofuturism. I think that’s such a magical theme to build from. Why did you decide that now was the time to present a collection of that theme?

Pierre — I think Autumn and I tend to keep Afrofuturism as a theme, always, in every collection. This collection is different in the styling concepts — we wanted to do more of a couture collection and change the range from just doing a ready-to-wear style collection. But as far as Afrofuturism goes, that's something we always look to as inspiration.

Can you tell me a bit more about the collection film that showed alongside the couture collection? What was the creative vision for the film?

Autumn — 3BLACKDOT, the production company, approached us and we had been working on the collection for a while, but not knowing how we would put it out. We were thinking of a photoshoot of some sort and decided upon shooting with a green screen. So we knew we would have to eventually find someone who could work on VFX effects, which actually took a while as well. The inspiration behind it was — well, I think it kept evolving — but, of course, there was Afrofuturism behind it all to back the elegance and decadence, but also some of the more subtle or minimal pieces that we have as well. We wanted to create along the whole spectrum of bare body to glamorized body — but amongst the same story. I wanted to go in-depth about how life began and sacred geometry and so many conversations and theories, and so forth. We were only able to get so much out of the film at this point, but I really like where it ended up. Kind of this intergalactic, sci-fi world, very alien-esque — just these independent, dark spaces. Almost like the movie, “Interstellar,” with all the colors and so many different elements.

I really like how a lot of the things you guys have done before are about opening up conversations in multiple different realms. In this collection, there's that sci-fi basis and it delves into historicism too. I also appreciate the way that you guys intersect with art. What qualities establish your pieces past just clothing? To me, they're actually pieces of art, so what do you think makes them that way?

Autumn — Because we're so artsy — we just are that way!

Pierre — I think also, with this collection, Autumn and I were inspired by statues and how garments are draped on a statue, and how it still shows draping even through that hard texture. We were inspired by other black artists as well and just wanted to create, again, an artistic, conceptual collection. When you think of couture, a lot of it is done by hand, and when you think of work with art, a lot of it is also hand-made. So, that's another concept — we think of everything as if it's a painting or sculpture. We want everything to look just as fab on the body as it does in an installation or in a room hanging up.

What is your favorite out of the 19 looks debuted and can you share the story behind it — what went into making it, the materials used, the inspiration behind it?

Autumn — We already know. Asia's look.

Pierre — Yeah, so the original dress — we called it the one titty dress. It's a dress that we started in 2020, for the show we did in February, and then we noticed that people were kind of copying that dress. So Autumn and I wanted to design a collection that was based off of that dress. And instead of going off about people copying, we just decided to challenge ourselves to make it even better. The dress Asia wears is black and it has jewels all over it. There's a built-in corset that we custom made for it and all of the jewels were strategically placed. There's tons of hand-sewing and it's really challenging to hand sew on silk chiffon. I would say my second favorite look is this fur coat that Cheyann wears. It's one of the later pieces that we added to the collection; we were like, 'We need some outerwear; we need some drama in the collection.' So I hand-sewed the fur coat — there's no machine involved, just my hands going in on that coat.

If you want drama, then a fur coat is perfect. I know some of your past collections have used some repurposed materials. Did this one?

Pierre — The handbags in this collection use recycled materials from past seasons. They’re really cool patchwork bags that Autumn and I patched together.

Along the lines of the theme of this collection again — what does a hopeful future look like to you?

Autumn — A future with opportunities. Opportunities to create and more resources to do that as well.

Pierre — When Autumn and I are creating, we are creating based on a narrative, a story. With this collection, it was to show the future of black elegance, and beauty, and what we want our future to be like. We channel the future that we see at that time in every collection that we're putting together. We want to keep creating these spaces with peace and opportunity, and just life. And for everyone to be able to exist the way that they want to.

You are known for bringing people together in more ways than just your inclusive designs — but also through exhilarating parties, music, and even educational discussions. Do you have any plans to further expand the scope of what you guys do as a brand?

Pierre — In 2022, it would be nice to start doing embroidery workshops and whatnot again. I think everyone's just now getting back into the flow of connection, especially in LA. So in 2022 I definitely see us being able to have those spaces where we're teaching people and doing other types of interactive activities with people in our community.

Autumn — And also furthering the conversations we have already created through the narratives we’ve put forth.

You, too, can traverse the said narrative, by viewing office exclusive collection photos, as well as the collection film, below.

Fashion

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..

By Enzo Holdt
Photography courtesy of Timberland

Fashion

ECCO.kollektive collaborates with Louis-Gabriel Nouchi

November 21, 2024

ECCO.kollektive has teamed up with Paris-based designer Louis-Gabriel Nouchi for a bold and innovative Spring/Summer 2025 collection. Known for his thoughtful exploration of masculinity and storytelling in fashion, Nouchi brings his unique perspective to this collaboration, blending his modern aesthetic with ECCO’s skill in craftsmanship and material innovation.

The collection features a range of footwear, clothing, and accessories, each designed with attention to detail. The collection uses a mix of black, deep red, and pearl white. Sensual touches, like Nouchi’s signature slits, combine with structured tailoring and flowing shapes, showing how the designer blends bold and refined styles.

We spoke with Louis-Gabriel Nouchi about the collection and his inspiration. From the textures of the human body to his love for stretch leather, Nouchi shared how the collaboration allowed to experiment with new ideas.

By Enzo Holdt
Photography by courtesy of ECCO.kollektive x LGN

The collection debuted at Paris Fashion Week and draws inspiration from the textures of the human body. “The idea came from the textures of skin,” Nouchi explains. “I wanted to create something sensual and fluid, using leather in a way that felt both strong and soft. Leather has this amazing quality—it can feel like armor, but also like a second skin.”

Nouchi worked closely with ECCO to develop designs that showcase the versatility of their materials. High-shine biker nappa leather with a waxy finish appears in tailored separates like a single-breasted blazer, trousers, and long-line shorts. For a more experimental edge, he created a column dress and a pencil skirt using strips of leather embroidered onto stretchy tulle—a design he says was inspired by his younger self. “When I was young, I was obsessed with stretch leather because of designers like Jean-Claude Jitrois. It’s something I wanted to explore and bring into this collection, almost like fulfilling a dream for my past self.”

Footwear is another major highlight, featuring Derby shoes, Helsinki loafers, and the standout Truck Lace loafer with a bold platform. The shoe’s futuristic design draws from Nouchi’s fascination with brutalism and technology. “It might be a bit controversial,” he says, laughing, “but I really like the Tesla Cybertruck. The sharp, angular lines and futuristic look combined with that raw, brutalist vibe—it’s something that resonates with me. The platform on the Truck Lace loafer feels like a nod to that kind of design.”

Another unique detail is the inclusion of removable coins on some of the shoes, adding a playful yet personal touch. “You can take the coins off—it becomes almost like a lucky charm,” Nouchi says. “It’s one of those small details that make the pieces feel more connected to the wearer.”

Louis-Gabriel Nouchi’s signature slit motif, which adds subtle hints of reveal and concealment, runs throughout the collection. “The slit is about teasing the eye,” he explains. “It’s never about revealing too much—it’s about creating tension, a little mystery.” This motif appears on everything from loafers to hems, blending seamlessly with the collection's sensual yet structured aesthetic.

When asked about the versatility of his designs, Nouchi emphasizes their adaptability to different occasions. “You can wear these pieces in super casual situations on the street, looking super chic at night—super sexy,” he says. “From one garment, you can style it in so many ways during the day. For example, the tank top—you can wear it with pants, or without. It’s super hot, super cool, and it works for so many moments.”

For Nouchi, the collaboration with ECCO was as much about innovation as it was about creative freedom. “There are no limits with ECCO,” he says. “As a designer obsessed with materials, having the freedom to push development this far was an amazing opportunity. Fashion, for me, is like a laboratory. It’s about testing ideas and seeing how far we can take them.”

The ECCO.kollektive x Louis-Gabriel Nouchi collection is available now, combining high-quality craftsmanship with bold, modern design that showcases Nouchi’s vision and ECCO’s craftsmanship.