Mike Eckhaus and Zoe Latta’s SS16 show not only saw the debut of their latest collection, but also a gang of New York’s cultural movers and shakers take to the catwalk. Instead of casting their muses via modelling agencies, the design duo sourced them from within their own social (and highly creative) circles – take hip-hop producer Dev Hynes and artist-come-cult-social-media-sensation Alexandra Marzella for example.
“Our casting is a constant evolution of people in our lives and community that we find inspiring,” Eckhaus explained. “It is very exciting for us to work with these individuals alongside industry models. We love having the clothes activated through the different energies that come through all of the various members of our cast.”
In this video, Californian skater, artist and filmmaker Julian Klincewicz captures the cast as they prepare to step out onto the runway. The videographer, whose past collaborators include Russian designer and photographer Gosha Rubchinskiy, shoots the scene in his trademark homemade but expertly executed lo-fi style. Watch out for appearances from artists such as Michael Bailey Gates, Juliana Huxtable, Bjarne Melgaard and India Salvor Menuez, as well as actor, poet and sister to Lena – Grace Dunham.
The collection itself was seductive, but not in the conventional sense. While fabrics were sheer, hems were rough cut and materials mismatched. “Our language is centred around not necessarily being polished,” Eckhaus told Susie Bubble for AnOther. “We like things that feel worn. We like things that feel distressed.”
See backstage at Eckhaus Latta SS16 below:
