Diversity was designer Ryuhei Oomaru’s guide. Expanding beyond the brand’s namesake product, wool shirting, gabardine trousers, and bias dresses collectively constructed a foundation for the Fall collection. Styled with the overcoat, these garments fashioned a unity between modern and traditional designs.
The heart of the matter was not a distinction between uptown or downtown, but of inclusivity, for people of all sexualities, somatotypes, and age – conveyed in the casting- to enjoy. “All body types are unique” was the message Oomaru shared with his audience at The Dance, where the music venue became a runway show. Models of all ages walked down a spiral staircase onto a painted white stage — that signifies a communal and transformable space to the art world — then continued the runway through the crowd. It was a unique show to the creative space, a testament to the mélange character of New York City.
In a similar fashion, the overcoat personified the vibrant, graphic, and outspoken city of inspiration. When contemplating what it means to “wear New York,” the designer had a lot of material, and ground to cover. Capes, a hooded overcoat, and an asymmetrical jacket made of awning material, and printed with jumbo texts, colorful block letterings, and the face of Lady Liberty made a statement in more ways than just dramatic. Fitted, billowing, oversized, and belted. Overcoat indefinitely held the final look. If New York City’s diverse culture and architecture could offer a vision for fashion, this brand materializes the city’s voice – no need for shelter where fashion speaks volumes.
