In the La Mama Experimental Theater Club located in New York’s East Village, Jackson Wiederhoeft’s Spring/Summer 2024 collection captivated fashion enthusiasts through a fusion of choreography, performance, and runway. As attendees settled into their seats, a group of Wiederhoeft models dressed in peachy ensembles took their places, forming a half-circle at the center of the venue. The lights dimmed, the crowd fell silent, and the first act commenced. In a playful manner, the campy models rearranged their chairs, creating an improvised catwalk. A model emerged in a glass-beaded satin dress, gracefully navigating the elevated walkway. The others humorously mimicked recording the moment with imaginary phones, satirizing the impact of social media on the fashion week experience.
They then engaged in a spirited game of “Duck, Duck, Goose” before transforming into classroom students, with the story’s protagonist assuming the role of their instructor. The full collection then unfolded before the audience. Models commanded attention as they showcased an array of whimsical yet wearable silhouettes. In one look, a collared black dress was cinched tightly around the wearer’s waist, while another featured a zippered corset top paired with low-rise khaki pants embellished with glittering bow-ties on the knees. This motif was further amplified on a reflective Victorian dress with dramatic, regal shoulders, worn by Richie Shazam. Luxurious silky textiles lent a signature sheen to many of Wiederhoeft’s designs.
Notably opulent were a pink V-neck gown and a crystal-embossed skirt. A suit adorned with glass beading on its blazer and dress pants made a striking statement, while several smaller tops incorporated similarly grandiose embellishments for an added touch of extravagance. The standout piece of the collection was a sparkling pink dress adorned with three-dimensional roses along the chest, waist, and legs, showcasing Wiederhoeft’s technical prowess and ability to embrace couture when desired. For the finale, a model confidently strutted down the runway in a light pink dress, followed by a synchronized group of men wearing cropped tank tops reading “SECURITY.” They shared the stage with a trio covered in glitter, seemingly on a quest for the best downtown club, as well as two dancers resembling poodles and a woman donning a billowing silver gown. Together, this eclectic ensemble constructed a tower of chairs at the center of the floor, which eventually collapsed, marking the show’s conclusion.
Photography + New York Fashion Week Editor: Victoria Bruno
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