AREA Holiday 2023 Capsule Collection
AREA has launched their first Holiday 2023 Capsule Collection – which is shoppable now at https://area.nyc and features looks from their FW23 runway show!
The collection has already been worn by celebrities like Saweetie and Paris Hilton prior to the launch, who wore the crystal gowns to the VMA’s and Latin Billboards respectively.
It focuses on occasion wear, offering a fresh take on AREA’s signature crystal work in the form of evening gowns in powder purple, green and charcoal.
For AREA’s inaugural Holiday 2023 collection, we wanted to offer a fresh and fluid take on our signature crystal encrusted jersey, crafted into stand out pieces perfectly suited for any special occasion. Our creative process began with a deep exploration of couture draping techniques, drawing inspiration from the timeless elegance of Vionnet and Madame Grès, as well as the glamorous attire of 1940s Hollywood.
As a modern take we worked with fully crystal-encrusted compact jersey, expertly twisted, and draped to form cascading gowns in a palette of gentle hues—soft pink, mint, lilac, and charcoal grey. In addition to elegant floor-length gowns, we crafted separates designed to evoke glamour every day with a range of oversized t-shirts, cigarette pants, and signature folded cup dresses.
To realize the campaign, we worked with London-based photographer Theo Sion to capture images that evoke the tension and ecstasy also present within the collection. And the campaign was styled by Katie Burnett.
ABOUT AREA
Founded in 2014 by designers Piotrek Panszczyk and Beckett Fogg in downtown New York City, AREA is a fashion and accessories design studio specializing in quality craftsmanship, textile development, and innovative embellishment. Since its launch, AREA has garnered a cult following with their modern and timeless take on beauty and glamour.
Beckett is originally from Lexington, Kentucky, and Piotrek was born in Poland and raised in Holland. After experience at Calvin Klein Collection and Chloé, respectively, they met at Parsons while pursuing their Masters in Fashion Design and Society. The designers meld their uniquely diverse backgrounds to explore history, aspiration, and conceptualized ideas of glamour through AREA.
Exploring perceptions of femininity and beauty are an ongoing reference for AREA; the ways in which these ideals evolve and change across time and cultures is a driving inspirational force for the brand. Through examining and challenging the evolution of beauty ideals, AREA celebrates duality and togetherness.
AREA’s signature style is multi-faceted; witty, inherently glamorous, playfully decadent and injected with a pop energy. The brand shares its name and spirit with the iconic 80s Manhattan nightclub, known for its fusion of art and performance in conceptually themed nights attracting an eclectic mix of uptown and downtown scenes along with international celebrities.
Currently stocked at leading retailers around the globe, AREA has grown beyond its Downtown roots, spreading its ethos of inclusiveness and irreverent glamour around the globe.
Credits AREA Holiday 2023 to :
Creative Director / Co-Founder: Piotrek Panszczyk
Art Direction: Bruce Usher
Photographer: Theo Sion
Styling: Katie Burnett
Hair: Ryan Mitchell
Makeup: Kuma
Nails: Yukie Miyakawa
Casting: Nicola Kast
Production: REPLICA
PR: Lucien Pages Communication