The call to arms for diversity has been heralded by the people at Rock and Republic. For the Spring Collection a spectrum of beauties ranging from the mocha dazzler Chanel Iman (who opened the show) to Tawny skinned Dujan strutted down the glossy white catwalk. After much debate in the industry about the lack of diversity on the runway, it was encouraging to see the fruits of that dialogue move casting in a more progressive direction. The casting felt intentional but not forced. Face it, models are beautiful people. But more often then not when it comes to minority beauty we have seen only select portraits of that beauty: an ebony African model with her hair cropped short or a stick straight-raven haired, Asian model. There are nuances within minority beauty and they were on full display at last night show. One model after the next- another refreshing representation of diverse beauty. Now for the day when a line-up like this is run- of-the-mill.
Rock and Republic can always be counted of for a good time! The house lights go down. The speakers start pumping sexy remixes; music video lights descend from the rafters and its showtime! For those who secretly dream of being a rock star this collection is one stop shopping. Justin may have brought sexy back but Rock and Republic is certainly keeping it alive! The Spring ’09 collection lack none of the illustrious rock star wear we have come to expect. Leather, black and white glazed lean jeans and lots of skin bearing tops sailed down the runway. Bomber jackets revisited: this time think slick- no more bulk it’s all streamlined silhouettes (for the guys and the ladies alike). This is collection is not for the faint of heart so strut with caution.
– Alexander Coelho
Tracy Reese’s Spring 2009 collection is a romantic, safari adventure with Oriental undertones. This season, the designer sought to present the “brilliant progression” of nature in the springtime through “delicate, yet sophisticated pieces”.