Brandon Maxwell’s eponymous fashion label is celebrating a significant milestone: its 10th anniversary. In the challenging landscape of the independent design world, reaching this decade mark is a remarkable achievement. To commemorate this occasion, Maxwell has delved into his past collections, identifying enduring themes and reimagining them for a contemporary audience.
His journey as a designer has been one of evolution. While minimalism has always been a cornerstone of his aesthetic, the approach has matured considerably since his early days. The stark glamour of his initial collections, famously showcased with Lady Gaga in the front row, has given way to a more grounded, relatable style. Maxwell describes this shift as a move ‘in service of getting to something real, of coming down to reality.’
The collection’s foundation lies in a deceptively simple piece: a blouson-style faded denim jacket. This seemingly casual item anchors the collection, showcasing Maxwell’s ability to elevate everyday garments. The styling is key; while pictured with a flowing chiffon dress, he envisions his clients pairing it with the collection’s equally relaxed low-waisted, dropped-crotch khakis. These trousers, featuring a unique snap-front waistband, exude casual sophistication and complement pieces like an asymmetric ribbed black t-shirt with distinctive rhodium hardware detailing on one draped shoulder.
Maxwell’s attention to detail is evident in the exquisite embellishments: custom buttons shaped like miniature macaroons and intricate ‘knot’ detailing in 18-karat gold plate. This meticulous craftsmanship underscores the luxury inherent in his designs, even within the more relaxed pieces.
This anniversary collection represents a refinement of his signature style. While his previous runway show perhaps leaned too far into the undone aesthetic in his quest for ‘something more casual and easy,’ this collection strikes a perfect balance. The collection showcases a range of textures and silhouettes, including pinstripes artfully integrated into tailored jackets and trousers, and draped asymmetrically on an off-the-shoulder dress. The luxurious use of materials is evident in the soft nappa leather bomber jacket and the supremely comfortable ribbed cashmere ‘biker jacket’ cardigan. Even the organza separates, infused with metallic thread, demonstrate his ongoing commitment to innovative fabric manipulation, creating a delicate yet strong sense of ease.
In reflecting on his decade-long journey, Maxwell aptly states, ‘It has to evolve, because I’ve evolved.’ This anniversary collection isn’t merely a retrospective; it’s a testament to his ongoing creative evolution, a perfect blend of his signature minimalist aesthetic with a renewed focus on effortless style and luxurious comfort.
