R13 autumn/winter 2016 collection catwalk show for NYFW

This evening, a seemingly unending of youthful downtown tastemakers converged on the top floor of a semi-refurbished Soho loft for one reason: to see the latest of R13’s Fall/Winter collection. The distinctly antiqued quality of the atmosphere was brought about by the exposed wooden beams, unfinished floors, and warm glow of incandescent lights: perfect for the show that was about to unfold. R13’s history of ready-to-wear distressed denim is legendary, being worn by a number of celebrities from Marion Cotillard to Nicole Scherzinger. The appeal of this brand amongst the millennial generation’s current obsession with the 90s could be aroused by simply looking at the appropriately censored title of the impending show: F*ckers.

The room turned dark, the music began a steady punk rock sermon, and the first model took her walk in silhouette. As the lights came up the looks began to appear on the catwalk one by one as unabashedly destroyed jeans paraded down the catwalk in arrogant, angst-driven succession.

The anti-establishment attitude of each model was displayed to the point where each look could have served as a metaphoric “middle finger” to the spectators. It was a seemingly endless parade of cheekbones protruding from under doll-like faces with tousled bed-headed coifs, most clad in studded cuffs and choker necklaces to complete their grunge ensemble. Doc Martens were in good supply.

A diverse number of materials completed the looks using everything from to sequins to cashmere, all perfectly and purposefully disheveled in their own unique way. Oversized fur coats paired with graffiti print cotton Ts accentuated the denim wear in some ensembles while in some others, an oversized mohair cardigan served as a dress to stand in contrast to heavy leather boots.

Threadbare concert T’s were a staple for the show, peeking out from underneath oversized shearling coats or punctuating what would be otherwise all-denim outfits.

The looks progressed through a series of plaids and flannels artfully draped around skinny jean-clad hips before the show finished out with a silk overlay dress coupled with a leather jacket and vintage chucks.

A final bow from the anonymous designer and the crowd went wild. The fashion runway in the form of 90s grunge rock show was over, and the faithful groupies/fashionistas were more than satisfied.

Alex Zarlengo
Photos: Adnan Mohamedy