ASAP Rocky pulled up to Paris Fashion Week to present his second AWGE show, titled “Obligatory Fashion.”
With Rihanna and Riot in the front row, AWGE Louboutins, new PUMAs, and everyday uniforms with a twist, AWGE had it all.
Here’s our official grading of Rocky’s second runway show.
Rocky wanted to make obligatory uniforms, like a suit, a work flannel, or a bomber, fashion. He amped up suits, presenting them in a neon green. He turned thermal fabric into an oversized shirt and matching trousers. And he used a deck of cards pattern on silk shirts and tight bodysuits. Reworking streetwear basics happens often, but Rocky brought his very specific point of view to each garment and there was a clear throughline.
Models wore distressed Puma Speedcats, the Mostro Gabbia, and a collaboration with Christian Louboutin. Bags were fun, including a larger faux fur tote that said “AWGE.” 40 oz bottles covered in a brown paper bag holding a flower come from Rocky’s interior design studio, Hommemade. Diamond encrusted Ray-Ban sunglasses, toolboxes coming in shiny finishes, and rhinestone encrusted nameplate belts were also featured. We can see these becoming his commercial hits.
The music was quintessential Rocky, inspired by southern rap, which he mixed with more alternative, rock infused beats and soaring, operatic vocals. He also debuted a new song. It all felt appropriate for the show’s theme. At one point he could be heard saying over the speakers, “What once was ghetto is now luxury.” The music helped set the scene for Rocky’s vision: reclaiming the clothes and uniforms used as a means of oppression to be a tool for freedom.
Held inside a church, Rocky leaned on institutions and iconography with the set design. He turned the church’s ceiling into his own version of Michael Angelo’s Sistine Chapel, projecting scenes like a Black Jesus being crucified on the cross wearing a T-shirt and sweats. In the church’s pulpit, an older white man stood behind a very tall podium with a gavel in hand, while an older white woman, serving as a court transcriber, was stationed below him. The set design told a clear story in a clever way.
Rihanna entered the show venue holding her and Rocky’s youngest son Riot. Other attendees included Yassiin Bey, formerly known as Mos Def, ASAP Nast, Jerry Lorenzo, Christian Louboutin, and Remo Ruffini, the chairman and CEO of Moncler S.p.A..
Read the full article here