It was a family affair for the Knowles family at LUAR’s Fall 2024 NYFW runway show held in Bushwick, New York. Some fashion shows are plain with no big moment, and then some events eat up the runway with celebs galore seated in the front row. Naturally, LUAR’s show falls meets the latter.
The LUAR presentation was a complete spectacle, with fashion fans hardly able to contain their excitement. After all, royalty was in the building. Camera flashes were thick and blinding in the dark warehouse space as fans prepared to snag a few photos and admire the innovative fashions.
What brought Beyoncé, Ms. Tina, and Solange to Bushwick on a Tuesday night?
Aside from MEFEATER’s Galentine’s Day show, fashionistas were out in full force for the Fall/Winter 2024 NYFW season. The standout show was LUAR, which attracted the presence of Beyoncé, Solange, and Ms. Tina Knowles in the front row. This was in celebration of Julez Smith, Beyonce’s nephew, walking NYFW for the first time. To everyone’s surprise, hip-hop and now Black country’s first family cosigned LUAR in a big way, wearing bags and accessories from the luxury streetwear brand.
LUAR won NYFW.
LUAR’s collection drew inspiration from old-school Williamsburg. The Dominican-American designer stole the spotlight at NYFW with his high-end ready-to-wear collection and star-studded front row. Julez Smith, Solange’s son, strutted down the runway in a gun-metal oversized leather blazer paired with a cream-colored silk shirt and tie, complemented by a book bag.
As a first-time fashion model, everyone was stunned to see him looking all grown up! His hair was braided, giving him an air of sophistication reminiscent of a coming-of-age fashion celebration.
LUAR’s NYFW collection gave suited and booted outfits.
Among the suiting and tailoring, LUAR’s fashions showcased hints of soft masculinity and reimagined Hasidic hairstyles, deeply inspired by the designer’s upbringing in Brooklyn. The collection also focused on bold-shoulder dresses and jackets, exaggerated denim looks, and even a few fur ensembles, hinting at fur making a comeback.
Much of the collection garments featured a form of deconstruction, from the intriguing presentation of trousers paired with trench coats. The designer also showcased crackled and asymmetrical leather blouses, paying homage to his grandmother’s style. Subsequently, the idea of a cardigan was flipped to give the appeal of arms in a sling, adorned with a timepiece as a collar chain.
LUAR is known for its leather bags.
While the designer is renowned for his leather bags, his ready-to-wear collection has firmly established itself as a newcomer for retailers interested in the intersection of luxury and streetwear. For those who haven’t noticed, LUAR is Raul spelled backward. The name has been ingrained in the designer since the days of AOL’s dial-up internet. The New York native has always stood out for his edgy and gender-inclusive aesthetic that appeals to all.
Moreover, although many shoppers love LUAR for its iconic leather bags and unique creative advertising campaigns, the icing on the cake was Beyoncé and Ms. Tina, sporting oversized LUAR handbags in the front row. Meanwhile, backstage was even more of a scene, as reporters flocked to the nepo baby to ask questions about his famous mom, aunt, and grandmother.
What did you think of the LUAR’s NYFW show? Would you rock one of the runway looks?
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