Dear Shaded Viewers,
In a universe where fashion often orbits around the predictable, Anthony Alvarez’s Fall/Winter 2024 BLUEMARBLE collection launches us into a thrilling new galaxy. Dubbed “STARCHASER,” this range is a meteoric fusion of Alvarez’s Filipino roots and a nostalgic yet forward-thinking space-age aesthetic. The inspiration? Kidlat Tahimik’s 1979 film, “Perfumed Nightmare,” which maps the journey of a Jeepney driver’s fascination with the 1960s American space program. This narrative beautifully parallels BLUEMARBLE’s own journey of exploration and heritage, blending earthly familiarity with the allure of the cosmos.
The collection is a funkadelic tapestry weaving together the past, present, and future. Alvarez artfully merges diverse elements: traditional Filipino motifs, retro space-age graphics, and contemporary urban style. Each piece is a study in contrasts – sporty yet crafted, functional yet fantastical.
Standouts include the oversized wool coats, bursting with primary colors that speak to a childlike wonder in us all. The all-weather parkas and metallic bombers, quilted with cosmic dreams, are practical yet otherworldly. But it’s the trompe l’œil shirt variations that truly encapsulate the collection’s spirit – a rhinestone-striped shirt melding into a T-shirt, or a khaki shirt layered over a long-sleeve crewneck, exemplify Alvarez’s genius in blending dualities.
The denim, enhanced with silver and bronze, along with the cargos with front-torqued pockets, offer a grounded contrast to the collection’s more whimsical pieces. The signature embellished jeans, now refreshed with rhinestone and wool scrollwork, continue to be a testament to BLUEMARBLE’s commitment to unique detailing.
Perhaps the most celestial of all are the accessories. The Odyssey boots and Celesta sneakers are not mere footwear but a declaration of readiness for any terrain, earthly or otherwise. The caps with integrated goggles, paired with dramatic furry hats, are practical yet make a bold fashion statement.
Alvarez’s message of intergalactic friendship resonates through every thread and stitch of this collection. It’s a celebration of unity, a nod to our shared human experience on this “blue marble” we call Earth, and a whimsical invitation to dream of the stars. This collection isn’t just clothing; it’s a narrative of where we’ve been and where we could go – a space age take on everyday chic that’s as much about humanity and dreams as it is about cutting-edge fashion.
Later,
Leticia
