Brandon Maxwell’s ability for self-reflection is one of his most endearing qualities.
And these past few months, he’s been reflecting on what he wants his brand to stand for, beyond the celebrity and red carpet moments that initially landed him headlines.
“I started with a black pants suit when I launched my first collection and that is what the brand was,” he said, stressing how sometimes one has to go back to move forward. “I also went back to a bell sleeve I made my second season…and I know a little bit more now. I’m proud of the work I’ve done on myself and the brand,” he said backstage after his show on Tuesday.
He returned to his roots and refined them, showing a collection that was clean, cozy and confident with plenty of oversize suiting anchored by cuffed trouser shorts, black hosiery socks and pumps for a fun, young vibe.
“The shorts happened because I had satin pants under the suits and I had to roll them up to have them with a heel. I couldn’t see the clothes in a tall shoe, which is unusual for me, and the tightness of any fabric that wasn’t a knit wasn’t working,” he said, nodding to the season’s guiding principle, that being put-together can also be comfortable.
The collection ticked off a lot of the emerging trends: black and white, minimalism, texture.
A sleeveless black column gown with a deep slit neckline was simply chic worn with thick crystal cuff bracelets, and hands tucked into side pockets. A glossy black leather blazer, bra top and straight skirt made for a modern take on leather dressing. A gray bell-sleeve tunic over a short crisp white shirtdress gave a feminine spin to minimalism. And a gray maxi coat with crystal cabochon embroidery was a forever statement outerwear piece.
It was Valentine’s Day morning, and Maxwell put a heart-shaped box of Russell Stover chocolates at every seat. You could feel the love, too, when he sent his models out arm in arm laughing and smiling for a finale, followed by the members of his team. Gratitude is always in style.
