Archive - 2018

Alan Gonzalez presented his F/W 2018 collection in a rather unique style this season. Rather than doing a runway show, he chose to do a more intimate fashion presentation at Winter Street Studios. Guests were whisked up to the second floor via freight elevator, which led to the gallery space. There were several interactive sections with models posing and/or walking. When we first entered the gallery, we saw a model wearing the current season’s “Alantude Signature Dress,” posing and walking a small runway. Behind her were the same dresses from past seasons. We also walked through a room where there was an art installation that was in a form of a cloud with raindrops. Upon closer inspection, the raindrops had the number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, as well as positive affirmation quotes.

Alan was inspired by rainy, dark days. He’s also had friends and family who go through depression, so speaking out about the disease (and mental illness overall) was imperative. He felt that the three collections validated that our society goes through rough times, yet we fail to reach out for help. According to the presentation’s program, “Taking the first step and talking to someone is crucial. It can be a difference between feeling like a hard time is manageable, or that it’s too much to handle. Remember, ‘After the rain, there’s a rainbow. After the night, there’s a morning. And after what seems like an end, comes a new beginning.’ You are loved. You are enough. And we are all here for you.”

The first collection was titled, ‘Strato-nimbus.’ It’s that depressing feeling you get when you see the approaching dark storm and rain clouds. According to the Alantude website, “It was a learning experience not only for them to find a way out, but for me to see how I could help. This is what we want to talk about for this season, and this depression is what inspired the clothing. With grey and comfortable designs, Alantude plays with linen and fleece giving them over-sized naturally draped silhouettes all dyed to look as if they just got rained on.”

The next collection is called ‘Silver Lining.’ This collection was inspired by the pouring rain. “As the rain starts to pour, the collection moves into a flowing design. We’ve introduced a blue fabric with silver lines in it to look like rain streaks to our grey palette from before. Now you can feel the rain crashing over the dresses and the water feels cleansing to the depression we are experiencing. It’s still there, but instead of feeling overwhelmed you feel connected to it,” Alan said via his website.

The last collection was suitably named, ‘After the Storm.’ As stated in the website, “‘The sun will come out. I know times are rough, but winners don’t quit. So don’t you give up.'” Every storm comes to an end, and though we know it will come again, the hope of a ray of sunshine is what keeps us going. In this part of the collection we are able to leave behind the clouds crushing us and truly find the ray of sunshine in ourselves.”

If you are experiencing depression, suicidal thoughts, etc., it’s OK to seek help!