COLLECTION 2: K.NGSLEY’S SCHOOL FOR GIRLS was a private lesson at PUBLIC Hotels. Put in the context of school, NYC-based designer Kingsley Gbadegesin showed 30 looks on 30 models cast like a high school movie representing stereotypes in each class – the jock, the gay, the weirdo, the rich girl – that are now all grown and sexy.
The collection, which took nine months to fully realize, references matured school uniforms while further exploring the full head-to-toe K.NGSLEY fantasy – a complete ready-to-wear wardrobe accented with boxers, Clandestine combat boots, and sterling silver PrEP pill jewelry.
The designer also revisited some of his best sellers from previous collections, designing with the clothes in mind first. Collection 2 Act 1 is full of reimagined classics such as denim, tailored trousers, classic shirting with updated hems, all while serving hoe through cheeky cut- outs and direct gay references.
Collection 2 Act 2 was an elevated approach to a preppy separates, boasting a wool boucle set cut in a playful short and oversize polo top, rugby and ringer style tops, chenille pieces and collegiate graphic pieces such as the “BUSHWICK” sweatshirt.
Collection 2 Act 1 available to shop now at SSENSE, Moda Operandi, Nordstrom, among others. Collection 2 Act 2 will hit floors early 2024.
CREATIVE DIRECTOR: KINGSLEY GBADEGESIN
PHOTOGRAPHER: CLAUDIO ROBLES
ART DIRECTION: TOMAS MEERSOHN
CASTING: BRENT CHUA
STYLING: SHIBON KENNEDY
MAKEUP: JAIME DIAZ FOR PARADIS NYC
HAIR: MIKE MARTINEZ FOR CUTLER SALON
MUSIC: ANTWYONE INGRAM
PRODUCTION: KAT COOPER
ASSISTANTS: MARCELLUS BORLAND, MAX WEINSTEIN, CYRENAE TADEMY
PR: AND SUCH NYC
SPECIAL THANKS: PUBLIC HOTELS & DIEUX SKIN
ABOUT:
Based in New York, the 30 year-old first generation Nigerian-American, Kingsley Gbadegesin, is the creator and founder of successful fashion label, K.NGSLEY. With background working for the likes of Versace, Celine, and Loewe, Kingsley created a brand born from the vibrancy and community of the ballroom along with the inspiration of activism and the club scene. The brand is aimed towards reclaiming and redefining the Black, Queer, and Femme body and to create tangible, direct support for these communities. Through his works of activism and his brand, Kingsley aspires to contribute to building a country, culture, and future that uplifts and does justice for those who have contributed to the culture of the United States for decades. The brand is able to achieve this by using fashion as a means of expression and empowering these communities to reclaim the meaning of their bodies. The brand’s first line of playful tanks, Collection 0: BQ Essentials, held a part in this mission by being an artistic and political statement that exists at the intersection of gender, race, and queerness. Pieces from the tank collection made appearances on Lil Nas X, Bretman Rock, and Beyonce’s backup dancers on the Renaissance tour.
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