Deserts, road trips, and Lauren Hutton inspire Hellessy for spring 18

By

Obi Anyanwu

Published
Sep 11, 2017

Death Valley, Mojave and the Western USA deserts served as inspiration for designer Sylvie Millstein, who debuted the spring 2018 Hellessy collection at NYFW on Friday at Pier 59.

The 2016/17 Woolmark Prize nominee managed to use the dearth of plant life as a reference point for a very lively collection. The rocky, dry soil and spotless sky were referenced with open shoulder shirts and oversized silhouettes that featured feminine bow details and grungy waist ties, as well as plunging shirts with striped patterns that nodded to the sandy ground’s natural pattern.
 
Pastel and sundried ensembles included suits that featured the brand’s signature split sleeve details, long trouser tails, and open shoulder dresses and shirts, all of which were contrasted by mature, layered dresses in bold red and maroon.

A western pattern also appeared on a bunched collar shirt with split sleeves and a double-breasted blazer with similar details.
 
Aside from drawing inspiration from deserts in the US, Millstein drew inspiration from Lauren Hutton and imagined a road trip with model. Perhaps Millstein dreamt of a Thelma & Louise-esque getaway with Hutton?
 
The designer introduced a new graphic on a worn-in t-shirt, reminiscent of Susan Sarandon in the early 90s film, and on a sweater with an exposed shoulder that is a far cry away from the typical graphic streetwear piece. In addition, a number of denim styles in varying lengths referenced both the west coast and its born-to-be-wild energy.