Adeam Spring Summer 2024 Fashion Show

In the world of fashion, trends come and go with the blink of an eye, often driven by the rapid currents of social media. One such trend that captured the imagination of the TikTok generation was "balletcore," a fusion of ballet-inspired fashion that flooded the micro-trend multiverse last year. But for Adeam's creative force, Hanako Maeda, the allure of ballet went far beyond viral TikTok videos, leading her to craft a captivating Spring Summer 2024 collection that reimagined ballet as a sport.

While balletcore may have permeated social media, Maeda's inspiration transcended the superficial aspects associated with it. She sought to capture the essence of ballet beyond its delicate tutus and frilly bows, focusing on its athleticism and grace. Speaking backstage at her runway show, Maeda explained, "When people think about ballet, they think of something that's romantic and delicate and pretty, but I wanted to focus on ballet as a sport."

This unique perspective manifested most prominently in the collection's tights, intricately crisscrossed to echo the way dancers lace their pointe shoes. Maeda aimed to reinterpret the popular "pantless" look in a more refined and elegant manner, acknowledging the contemporary fascination with fashion as an extension of athleisure. As the fashion world continues to embrace the athleisure trend, designers like Maeda understand the importance of meeting the customer where they are.

However, the true magic of Adeam's Spring Summer 2024 collection lay in Maeda's ability to offer less literal interpretations of ballet. She employed small pleats and shirred tulle to evoke the dynamic yet graceful movement of a dancer. One standout piece featured a skirt with two pleated panels layered on the sides, creating a captivating play of textures and shapes. A fully sheer hoodie adorned with shirred tulle accents captured the ethereal spirit of dance, bridging the gap between sport and artistry.

Maeda's collection also ventured into more costume-like territory with sheer corseted jackets and dresses designed to resemble crinolines. These pieces added an alluring layer to an otherwise sweet and feminine collection. Sheer knits, artfully layered under dresses, further enhanced the collection's depth and intricacy.

To underscore her commitment to ballet as a profound art form, Maeda collaborated once again with the New York City Ballet. The renowned ballet company had previously partnered with Adeam in 2015, when Maeda designed costumes for their fall gala. For the Spring Summer 2024 show's grand finale, principal dancer Tiler Peck graced the stage, bringing an authentic touch of ballet to the runway.