Vaquera’s Basics, Not So Basic. by Eliya Weinstein

Bryn Taubensee, Patric DiCaprio

Dear Shaded viewers,

For the last 10 years, Patric DiCaprio and Bryn Taubensee have rebelled against fashion norms through their brand, Vaquera. For SS25, they took their punk approach in a new, more commercial direction. However, rather than diluting their DNA to create wearable basics, they presented a loud, dramatic collection that resonates with the everyday style of today’s “it-girls”.

Vaquera doesn’t just set trends, they command them. For SS25, they adhered to their distinct codes, beloved by street style icons: distressed leather, layered lace slips, and bubble miniskirts. While some of Vaquera’s naughtier elements remain, in cones constructed at the breasts and bra tops that restrain the arms, most silhouettes were oversized, rumpled, and loosely draped from the body. Amongst these were understated button-up shirts that maintained a sense of angst with popped collars, offering a smooth transition from easygoing to edgy. In Vaquera’s shift towards everyday wearability, many garments were black, white, and bone, accented by blue denim and brown leather. However, primary colours still popped on sports-inspired shirts, stripes, and an enlarged chain print.

Vaquera stayed true to signatures for accessories, including the sailor hat and guitar bag of last season. Big belts and bows, two fan favorites, featured multiple times, even combined in black leather. For the first time, Vaquera has added shoes to its repertoire. By incorporating cowboy boot embroidery on black kitten heel pumps and boots, they remind us that “Vaquera” means cowgirl in Spanish. Sunglasses are also a new offering, a take on vintage glamour infused with swagger.

Through nods to their past collections, Vaquera has distilled their vision into a comfortable, everyday collection that opens their wild world to all. Rather than conforming to expectations, they presented their idea of wardrobe basics that tell us they know exactly who they are.

Later,

Eliya