Experimental and Unapologetic
The Hood by Air Ready To Wear S/S 2016 show at New York Fashion Week continued the brand’s tradition of pushing boundaries and challenging conventional fashion norms. Known for its fearless experimentation, the runway presented a collection that felt raw, rebellious, and intentionally unconventional. Many of the looks appeared as if they were barely holding together, garments slipping or hanging loosely off the body in ways that felt both chaotic and carefully constructed.
Deconstructed Silhouettes
One of the defining elements of the collection was its sense of imbalance. Pieces were designed to appear almost as if they were falling off the models, with exaggerated cuts, twisted layers, and off-center construction. The silhouettes felt deconstructed and unpredictable, creating a visual tension that kept the audience’s attention from start to finish. Rather than presenting polished perfection, the collection embraced imperfection as part of its design language.
Beauty as a Statement
The beauty styling added another provocative layer to the show. The makeup theme leaned into dramatically exaggerated contouring, intentionally done in a way that felt rough and overdone. Instead of aiming for the flawless sculpting typically associated with runway makeup, the looks pushed the technique into something more performative and almost confrontational. The effect was striking and, at times, unsettling, but that seemed to be exactly the point.
Fashion as Performance
Hood by Air has always blurred the line between fashion show and performance art, and this presentation was no exception. The clothing, makeup, and overall styling worked together to create an atmosphere that felt edgy and rebellious. It challenged the audience to rethink ideas about beauty, structure, and what a runway collection can look like.
A Bold NYFW Moment
The S/S 2016 show stood out as one of the more experimental moments of New York Fashion Week. While not traditionally pretty, the collection made a powerful statement about individuality, creative freedom, and the willingness to disrupt expectations. Hood by Air once again proved that fashion can be provocative, uncomfortable, and exciting all at once.
Credits
Brand: Hood by Air
Collection: Ready To Wear S/S 2016
Event: New York Fashion Week
Style Notes: Deconstructed silhouettes, exaggerated contouring makeup
Runway Highlights: Experimental construction, rebellious styling, performance driven presentation
See the Hood by Air show below:
