Thom Browne's FW24 Show Brings Horror to the Day of Love
Image Courtesy: Daniele Oberrauch / Gorunway.com
Closing out New York Fashion Week in spectacular fashion, Thom Browne presented a captivating collection infused with dark, horror-inspired elements. Browne's runway show was a standout moment, captivating audiences with its bold and haunting aesthetic.
Browne is not shy of the theatrics, which is evident in his shows' sound and set design. The runway was transformed, with a fine layer of snow covering the floor, and at the center was a person exhibiting a tree, wearing an extremely oversized black puffer jacket.
Before models graced the runway, four children emerged from beneath the jacket wearing the traditional Thom Browne look: black suit jackets paired with black shorts or pleated skirts, complemented by over-the-calf black socks, one adorned with four distinctive stripes.
As models made their way down the unconventional runway, actress Carrie Coon, read the poem The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe. The poem, delving into themes of grief and isolation, resonated deeply with the show's atmosphere. Browne's collection, infused with dark and supernatural elements, echoed the poem's exploration of the human psyche's darker corners.
Black and white predominated in 48 of the 49 looks, creating a cohesive visual theme. However, the final look, worn by Alex Consani, deviated from this pattern by featuring a stunning gold ensemble. Another Poe poem, The Gold-Bug, inspires this.
Models showcased avant-garde hairstyles styled to the themes of both poems. Some had feathers attached, while others wore mourning veils, a sheer lace fabric commonly associated with funerals. In a nod to The Gold-Bug, others featured hair braided and angled to look like a bug's antenna.
Gold flakes adorn Conasni's hair, creating a striking contrast against the dark and neutral tones of the collection. While many models sported classic red lips, Conasni's lips were painted gold, further emphasizing the luxurious and opulent theme of the final look.
Browne is known for his superb tailoring, utilizing classic techniques with unusual design elements. Applying a variety of silhouettes and shapes, looks featured cinched waists and broad shoulders. Balloon dressing was on trend this season and was used for skirts, giving a voluminous inflated shape and broad silhouettes. In true Browne fashion, he experimented with men's looks featuring wide shoulders and oversized coats with tuxedo hems.
The collection showcased a variety of tweed sets, including coats, jackets, skirts, and shorts. Many looks also featured sheer tights with black ravens and floral prints, long silk trenches, and tartan prints.
Each ensemble was styled with transparent boots or heeled oxford brogues embellished with a gold zipper. To match, some models held duffles and messenger bags. Alternatively, black bags shaped like dogs accompanied some looks, while others opted for black umbrellas with handles resembling ravens.
Like last year, Browne's show was held on Valentine's Day, and with a heartfelt gesture at the end, he brought out a large Valentine's chocolate box for his partner, Andrew Bolton. Not neglecting the attendees, a red rose was placed on every seat. It seems as though Thom Browne must always have a show on the Day of Love.
Strike Out,
Morgann Rhule
Boca Raton
Morgann (yes with 2 n’s) is the Web Director and a content writer for Strike Magazine. Her best friends describe her as a shopaholic bookworm who gives the best advice. Born in Jamaica, she wears it proudly with a beaded red, green, and gold necklace she never takes off. You can reach her on insta @morgannrhule or email morgannrhule@gmail.com
