Area’s Collection 02 for 2022 Is Being Ripped Off the Mannequins
AREA debuted their collection in a new space in Bowery this past NYFW. Piotr Panszczyk, co-founder and creative director at AREA, is taking showgirl looks to a whole other level with elaborate textures. Lavish multi-colored feathers were a fabulous addition to the dense thread-work, beading, and layers of rhinestones and sequins. Panszczyk made sure this was the focus of the collection as showgirls tend to have feathers incorporated into their ensembles. Panszczyk’s feather inspiration also comes from carnivals in Brazil and the Caribbean, as well as The Middle Ages with the collection’s metal bustiers. The haute couture collection is working with embroidery and volume, shaping some of their looks extending at the hips for a playful structure. After the presentation, looks were being ripped off mannequins by celebrities almost instantly. Here are some of my favorite looks:
COURTESY OF AREA
This first look is one of the most practical compared to the other showgirl ensembles. The casual denim jean shorts with the hint of chic feathers trimmed along the bottom make this outfit one of those outfits you can dress up or down. Paired with a rhinestone bra top and a denim jean jacket with rhinestone fringes this look serves a great deal of fashionista cowgirl. The feather hat and rhinestone butterfly mask also gives off showgirl aesthetics which is commonly seen throughout the rest of the looks below.
COURTESY OF AREA
When I see this outfit, I think of Katy Perry in her “California Gurls” era with her eccentric, playful wardrobe. The vibrant, carnivalistic feathers poof out on the bottom half of the dress with a diamond shaped rhinestone top and rhinestones going down the legs. The butterfly mask is now shown in multi-colored rhinestones to further emphasize the goals for the 02 collection. Rectangular shaped crystals drip down from the model’s forehead and trace her neckline as she is also wearing a gold butterfly and rhinestone choker necklace.
COURTESY OF AREA
Of course the sequins have to come out to play. The model completely rocks the gold sequin outfit with the buckles going down the leg. The beautiful art behind the reflective gold headpiece and belt enhances the structure of the outfit and maintains the eccentric theme that Panszczyk was going for.
COURTESY OF AREA
Panszczyk plays with volume and structure in the making of this dress. The hips extend while forming an hourglass shape amongst the millions of multi-colored rhinestones. The rhinestones even move in the shape of feathers keeping the showgirl aspect in effect. He adds a winged gold neck piece in the mix for some more flare.
COURTESY OF AREA
The metal bustier inspired by the Middle Ages makes its appearance in the presentation with its rhinestone straps that drip into draped rhinestones curved to contour the female form. The underwire is formed with rectangular rhinestones that align the bottom half of the bustier along the torso. Paired with white pants cut in half on one leg and slit on the other with embellished rhinestones, the all-white look with the feather head piece is something you do not see everyday.
While these looks are more elaborate and something not to be worn in your everyday attire, they are a work of art and something to admire. It is very much believable that these pieces were ripped off the mannequins in a matter of seconds after the NYFW Spring 2022 presentation.
