Dear Shaded viewers,
They met 10 years ago in fashion school, and since then, Hannah Rose Dalton and Steven Raj Bhaskaran have devoted their lives to creating a safe space for like-minded, self-acclaimed social outcasts. It took them 10 years of carving out a space and 10 years of designing and defining their vision before they felt the fashion industry was a place that could support them. Amidst the political turmoil and social unrest we are facing, they knew it was now or never to welcome us into their world.
Hannah and Steven’s aesthetic, in all manner of detail, is post-human and anti-establishment. They have carried this over into a premier collection that brought together RTW and Haute Couture with sculptural garments, distressed textiles, and beloved fashion history references. The garments featured strong shoulders with slim, elongating silhouettes that punctuated the otherworldliness of the overall aesthetic. Ripped edges and tattering on wool and bouclé gave tailored pieces a darker, ethereal quality. D-rings centred on high necklines added a BDSM element, effectively elevating a subculture often unaccepted by the media and welcoming it into the realm of high fashion. Classic gowns were finished with references to more underground styles, such as slashes across the bodice and mummy-like fabric wrappings.
The cast, including family, friends, and figures that Hannah and Steven admire, walked the runway, decorated in personalized makeup inspired by the designer duo. The looks were completed by a collaboration with Christian Louboutin, a childhood dream for Hannah. The red-bottomed act of defiance, infusing a sense of danger and seduction into the luxury world, was a perfect full stop for their debut. Hannah and Steven also included a pair of customized heels that distort the curves of regular stilettos, reminiscent of McQueen’s Armadillo boots. Hannah’s finale was a hand-pleated chiffon dress finished with feathered mutant wings, titled ‘Angel Arc.’
In all, the collection successfully established that Hannah and Steven have earned their place in the fashion industry as more than just social media spectacles. Their devotion to their artistic vision stands for more than defining their own identity; it is about creating a space for outcasts of all walks of life to feel welcome. Furthermore, while provocation is ingrained in their statement, there’s more to discover beyond first sight. They have created a world that is devoid of religious, ethnic, and social boundaries, discoverable through image, music, and now fashion.
Later,
Eliya
