If there’s one word that could sum up Brandon Maxwell’s 10th anniversary spring runway show, it’s optimism.
From his initial days of designing ballgowns to recent years of homing in on elevated wardrobing for the chic city woman, Maxwell has volleyed back and forth between the max and minimal. Here, his world collided in happy symbiosis.
“Everyone’s excited about the 10 years, and I do think it’s a great accomplishment [that] we should acknowledge. All of us are really lucky to have an opportunity to do what we do. As I was digging through what I wanted to say and what I wanted to do, I wanted to choose prints, colors, fabrics that made me feel joy,” Maxwell said during a preview.
Spring was a collection filled with ample amounts of each and nostalgic nods to his Texan roots (western plaids, florals, fringes, bolo ties and cheeky animal motifs), rendered onto silhouettes that continued to pay homage to his American sportswear heroes via new twists on denim, sharp tailoring, preppy nods and sportif garb. Also, his trio of new handbags made for a strong official category debut.
“When I asked myself what I want to do going forward is moving forward and taking risks. I’ve tried to push myself to do that in the design process and I think it’s also interesting, because as it comes together, it’s me in a way,” Maxwell said, noting he isn’t necessarily looking back, but pushing forward.
The collection exemplified this idea through more experimental touches, like stellar layered trapeze button downs designed to evoke the multilayered constructions of ballskirts, without the fuss. His colorful plaids livened up Neoprene pencil skirts; ultra-thin knits and sequined numbers had a playful sensibility, and track jackets exuded city cool with laser-cut silk fringes. Who wouldn’t feel happy wearing these clothes?
Following the show, Maxwell was off to Mr. Chow, where he staged his first runway, to keep the celebratory vibes going.