Parsons graduate turned Yeezy designer Maisie Schloss flexed her sartorial capabilities on Wednesday during the debut of her label's first collection in Los Angeles.
The pre-fall 2020 collection delivers body-con silhouettes, an assortment of polychrome garments, and a cohesive range of knitwear that includes both evening dresses and daytime streetwear. The Los Angeles-based designer is the first recipient of Kanye West's seed grant, part of a brand incubator initiative he's spearheading to give young, emerging artists a platform within the industry.
“I had the pleasure of working with Kanye for a number of years,” Schloss told the Los Angeles Times before the presentation, “and when he approached me about this partnership, I was absolutely floored. It’s a dream come true.”
The euphoric aesthetic the Chicago-born designer managed to capture speaks volumes to the knowledge she acquired while working for Kanye's label. However, that's not to say that West's arrival at the presentation took center stage. During Wednesday's debut, he aptly handed the spotlight over to his mentee, delivering only a brief statement to all those in attendance. "Maisie has always had a strong perspective, and we’re truly pleased with her first collection."
Schloss drew inspiration from gymnastics costumes and robotics, which is evident in the textures and slim-fitting silhouettes that run through the collection. “The fabric can be printed beautifully. I was looking at gymnastics costumes, and the cut-outs that they have, which look so gestural on the body. And I was also looking at pictures of robotics," she told Vogue. “I think gymnastics and robots mirror my work well, in that I am systematic and regimented in how I operate, but the outcome looks organic.”
The garments are simultaneously conceptual and wearable, which will likely form well within the retail market. Schloss will be traveling to Paris for the formal June 19 presentation.
