Bench Fashion Week’s Holiday 2024 collection presented a captivating display of style, innovation, and sustainability. The three-day event showcased a diverse range of collections that explored themes of humanity, self-expression, and personal freedom.
Day 1: Embracing Roots and Deconstruction
The first day kicked off with R’Bonney Nola Gabriel’s collection, “How to Survive on Land and Sea.” Inspired by her Filipino and American heritage, the collection blended streetwear and beachwear with an eco-conscious twist. Gabriel used recycled materials and her signature deconstruction technique to create unique silhouettes adorned with seashells, celebrating both her heritage and the environment.
Next, Kashieca by Rhett Eala presented a stylish women’s wear collection designed for the modern woman. The collection featured versatile tops, pants, and skirts crafted from a variety of fabrics, effortlessly transitioning from office wear to casual settings.
Anthony Ramirez’s “Bōryokudan” collection added an edgy touch to the day. Inspired by 90s Japanese gangster culture, the line showcased menswear pieces crafted from leather, cotton, linen, suede, and French cashmere. This collection marked Ramirez’s foray into more tailored menswear and served as a tribute to his childhood and Japanese pop culture influences.
Day 2: A World of AI, Freedom, and ‘Anti-Bridal’
Day 2 began with Cotton On’s youthful collection, featuring playful layering of cardigans, long-sleeve shirts, and tank tops. The models danced and ran to the infectious energy of Tommy James & The Shondells’ “I Think We’re Alone Now,” perfectly capturing the carefree spirit of the collection.
Jenni Contreras’ collaboration with Human presented “Chapter 2 – Universe H,” a satirical exploration of an artificial world. Inspired by the rise of AI-generated content and the themes of “Black Mirror,” the collection featured streetwear in neon green, purple, and metallic colors, reflecting the technological anxieties and futuristic themes of the series.
Bon Hansen’s “Pagaktao” collection explored a different facet of humanity, drawing inspiration from the film “Markova: Comfort Gay.” The collection presented a powerful message of liberation from societal expectations, combining fluid fabrics with strong tailoring to create a line that inspires hope and belonging.
The day concluded with Antonina’s SS25 collection, “I Don’t.” This “wedding she’ll never have” collection defied traditional bridalwear by blending tailored precision with whimsical flair, showcasing layered textures and intricate detailing.
Day 3: Nature, Nostalgia, and Bench Body
Urban Revivo began Day 3 with a nature-inspired collection featuring utility vests, bucket hats, and sling bags in light to dark neutral colors, celebrating the beauty and functionality of nature.
Chito Vijandre transported us back to the 60s and 70s with his “The Dawn of a New Age” collection. The collection captured the freedom and exuberance of the disco era, using fluid jersey and chiffon fabrics. It also leaned towards Eastern influences, showcasing ethnic weaves and embellishments reminiscent of Talitha Getty’s multicultural bohemian style.
The three-day event concluded with the Bench Body collection “Vernissage,” showcasing a diverse lineup of models including Ria Bolivar, Max Collins, Sunshine Cruz, Lou Yanong, and more. The collection highlighted the brand’s dedication to body positivity and inclusivity.
Bench Fashion Week’s Holiday 2024 collection offered a vibrant celebration of style, self-expression, and sustainability, leaving a lasting impression on the fashion world.
