To the sound of Big Sean’s new track “Blessings” featuring Drake and Kanye West, spun by DJ A-Trak, a downtown kid kicked and pushed a scooter down the runway. It singalled the start of VFiles Made AW15 – a crowd sourced presentation featuring a global gang of designers, sure to shake up the NY scene. 

JULIA SEEMANN

Initial reaction:

Dionne from Clueless takes a trip to MoMa.

Abstract apparel: 

Seemann’s runway debut was a triumph in "workwear combined with abstract art.” Entitled 'Another Composition', it was double denim but with a geometric twist. Oversized floppy hats sat precariously atop the models heads – which showed off waves of crimped hair – as they walked down the runway with their hands in their pockets.

ANDREA JIAPEI LI

Initial reaction:

Spiritual sportswear.

East meets West:

There was definitely a sense of heritage in Jiapei Li’s collection – a designer who had her NYFW debut during SS15. The Beijing born creative presented high neck tunics with flowing sleeves, which were reminiscent of traditional Chinese wear – but rendered modern with the use of neoprene and mesh. How it was worn? With white sandals and gym shoes. 

XIMONLEE

Initial reaction:

Rip it up and start again.

Post-Soviet vision: 

Inspired by the “street boys of Russia”, Lee scoured the thrift shops of New York City, collecting used denim to construct his offering which saw his gang of boys storm the runway, clutching remnants of the fabric in their hands. 

DI$COUNT UNIVER$E

Initial reaction:

It’s raining sequin cats and dogs.

Personalised prints:

With just three weeks to design and make their collection, Di$count Univer$e pulled out all the stops. Colours clashed – think bubble gum pink married with neon orange – and a signature cat and dog print, made entirely out of sequins. Paying homage to their roots forged online, the pair sent embroidered messages of “Lol” and “do dream” down the runway. The final look featured a model in a floor length backless dress, led by a pampered white poodle who strutted down the runway. 

The soundtrack to VFiles MADE AW15: