Off-White™’s Nothing-But-Net New York Fashion Week Debut

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Off-White™'s Nothing-But-Net New York Fashion Week Debut

As a gamer with roots deeply entrenched in both America and Africa, I found Off-White™’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection to be nothing short of a home run! Born and raised in the vibrant city of Lagos, Nigeria, my childhood dreams were fueled by the same utopian ideals that this collection embodies.

On a sun-soaked Sunday afternoon last week, I found myself at Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 2, where Off-White™, the brainchild of Virgil Abloh, had transformed the location into an enormous basketball court for its groundbreaking New York Fashion Week show. Dubbed “DUTY FREE,” this Spring/Summer 2025 collection was a dynamic fusion of American and African cultures, viewed through the lens of sportswear. I felt a palpable sense of energy as models dribbled, leaped, and soared, embodying the spirit of the collection.

Designer Ib Kamara shared that his collection was inspired by a journey to Ghana, a homeland that held deep significance for Virgil and was often highlighted in his work. Although Kamara himself was born in Sierra Leone and later grew up in London, he found striking parallels between their experiences. He reminisced about the powerful image of America, and New York specifically, which symbolized utopias brought to life and a land full of opportunities for many Africans.

The menswear line by Off-White™ evolved into a versatile urban wardrobe, characterized by practical zippers, distorted denim, uneven layers, embroidered symbols, and sparkling crystals. Sleeveless hoodies showcased zippered sections running along the body; jackets reminiscent of varsity styles were adorned with shimmering renditions of the brand’s logo, redesigned in collaboration with Ghanaian artist Nan Danso; numerous pieces mimicked sportswear with “00” numbers on their backs, and a substantial denim coat showcased the collection’s title prominently.

Meanwhile, women’s outfits showcased architectural influences, accentuating their figures through sharp tailoring, provocative slits, and handcrafted embellishments. Dresses featured plunging V-necks dipping below the navel; fishnet skirts were adorned with cream sequins and white feathers; jackets zipped up, boasted strong waist corsets, and showcased whimsical star patterns throughout the collection.

For the very first time in New York, Kamara unveiled an incredibly personal collection under the Off-White™ label; he deliberately took a shot at a three-pointer with what he described as his “most autobiographical work in every way”. From our vantage point, it was clear that the effort was a complete success – nothing but a basket.

See Off-White™’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection in the gallery above.

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2024-09-08 21:56