Photos by Matthew Passiglia
Every now and then you come across a designer that is doing something so incredibly different you can’t help but to stare, swooning in wonder and amazement. Laurel DeWitt is one such designer. A master manipulator of metal, she hand crocheted 17 looks for her A/W15 runway show. Each piece was just as stunning as the next, from the golden flowers made of layered metal leaflets cascading down a jacket, to the chain linked fringe that glimmered on dresses, skirts, tops and shorts, to a slinky 70’s hood dress and floor length coat. This is a designer that understands drama.
Every aspect of the production exemplified her talent not only as a designer, but as an artist, sculptor and appreciator of intricately constructed apparel. Her models walked so slowly, the crowd held their collective breath between each step. The gold and silver makeup elevated mere mortals into Greek muses and Roman Gods. Amber Rose made an appearance. Even the venue, Church of the Holy Apostles, solidified the collection’s essence as otherworldly.
At the end of every runway show, I pause to reflect on what I’m feeling mentally and emotionally. What I took away from Laurel DeWitt’s collection was a righteous elegance beholden to an ancient demagogue. Like being shrouded in metal, I felt empowered and protected, ready to face the icy New York City climate that was ready to confront me the moment I stepped outside the door.