Puppets And Puppets Spring Summer 2024 Fashion Show

The show began with a striking entrance by Carly Mark herself, sporting a new short haircut and donning the bold no-pants look, opting for tights instead. Her appearance seemed to channel the spirit of Edie Sedgwick, a figure known for inspiring creative scenes in the city. Just as Andy Warhol's Factory and his iconic silkscreened banana left a mark on their era, Puppets and Puppets presented a collection that promised to leave a lasting impression in 2024 fashion.

The Venue and Atmosphere - The setting for this remarkable show was equally intriguing. It unfolded in the gymnasium of the Immaculate Conception Church in New York's East Village. As attendees entered the room, they were greeted by a mesmerizing sight: a group of dancing animatronic cats, some carrying miniature cookie bags bearing the brand's logo. These "dancing cats" were part of a unique "dance troupe" that accompanied subway saxophonist Jazz Ajilo, who serenaded the audience with nostalgic tunes like "Never Gonna Dance Again" and "Lady in Red," evoking memories of proms long past.

A Haunted Collection with Emotional Depth - Thematically, the Spring Summer 2024 collection by Puppets and Puppets carried an air of haunting beauty. Drawing inspiration from the 1964 Japanese film "Kwaidan" (coincidentally the year Edie Sedgwick moved to New York), Carly Mark explained that the concept of ghosts resonated with her on an emotional level. She viewed emotions as something beautiful yet challenging, akin to being haunted. The garments on display reflected this theme, blending romance with a touch of gothic mystique.

Seance Imagery and Ectoplasmic References - Mark's designs incorporated elements reminiscent of turn-of-the-century seance photos, particularly those depicting ectoplasm. Some models had the front trains of their dresses in their mouths, and bags were worn under sheer dresses, creating an eerie and otherworldly effect. These details were inspired by the fake ectoplasmic manifestations often portrayed in such photographs, where cotton was used to simulate ghostly phenomena and connections to parallel universes.

Breaking Free of Expectations - Beyond the haunting and supernatural aspects, the collection conveyed a message of empowerment. Mark expressed her thoughts on the unrealistic expectations placed on women and the need to find an outlet for self-expression. She emphasized the importance of breaking free from societal constraints, and the runway served as her platform to do so. In her own words, it was a means of "throwing a fit" and embracing her true self.

The Return of Volume and the Blend of Styles - One notable feature of this collection was the revisit to volume, a hallmark of early Puppets and Puppets designs. The result was an array of beautifully proportioned tent-back jackets paired with taffeta interpretations of JNCO jeans. This fusion of Cristóbal Balenciaga's couture with the style of mall rats showcased the brand's ability to effortlessly blend high fashion with streetwear.

Kitsch and Metallic Elements - Previous Puppets and Puppets collections sometimes featured kitsch elements, and this season was no exception. The Metal Friends print on mesh, inspired by a series of AI prompts, added a touch of whimsy and nostalgia to the runway. Metallic elements throughout the collection promised to attract attention and infuse a sense of fun and optimism into the fashion scene.

Strength Through Adversity - In retrospect, Carly Mark saw her recent experiences as a journey from darkness to light. She emphasized that going through emotionally challenging times ultimately makes a person stronger. This sentiment was palpable in the collection, which exuded strength and resilience alongside its haunting beauty.