NYFW’s Hottest Event Had Nothing to Do with Clothes

When people think of fashion week, the first thing that comes to mind is fabulous clothing. But this year, a certain brand aims to disrupt the notion that fashion is only associated with clothing. A. Human, a brand that takes the concept of human physicality and transforms it into an avant-garde spectacle. While designers are figuring out what new fabric to use, or what pattern to alter, A. Human redesigns flesh and blood, figuratively, to challenge just what fashion actually is.

At a launch event on Tuesday night, guests were treated to Society of Spectacle’s vision of body modification. SOS, which was founded by Simon Huck, asked guests to take a different perspective on what body modification actually is. Guests included, but were not limited to, Katie Holmes, Jonathan Van Ness, Antoni Porowski, Tan France, Toni Garrn, Nina Agdal, Jason Wu, Brian Atwood, and Kelly Rutherford.

“It was important to root this experience in optimism while provoking our guests to think about a potential future of fashion,” says Huck. “And by doing so, inviting them to question their definitions of self-expression.”

From bespoke human hearts to elongated spines to shell-like heels, the show walks the line between the uncanny and whimsical. Other exhibitions included The Pinnacle, created by the renowned designer/stylist Nicola Formichetti. The piece featured shoulder and skin sculptures, with viewers, were left to guess whether these were actual fashion pieces or provocative prosthetics. Makeup artist Isamaya Ffrench also designed a bespoke enamel overlay called The Ivory, designed to provide a perfect smile forever and always.

Having already gained attention prior to the launch with social media stars like Kim Kardashian showcasing their A. Human appliqués, the NYFW dark horse easily claimed the attention of both industry fans and insiders.