Collina Strada Issues A Strong Feminine Message in FW24
In its fall/winter 2024 collection, Collina Strada reconceptualized a powerful woman as sweaty, serious, and strong. The collection titled “Stronger” took place in Collina’s Gym, where a diverse range of models sported corsets with built in abs, bulky shoulder pads that imitate biceps, bedazzled boxing gloves, lacy boxers peeking out at the waist, and intentional sweat stains, features usually associated with the vision of a strong man, were made feminine by creative director Hillary Taymour.
Photos by Charlie Engman Courtesy of Collina Strada
Photos by Charlie Engman Courtesy of Collina Strada
Photos by Charlie Engman Courtesy of Collina Strada
In a press release about the collection, Taymour explained, “with women constantly passed over for power positions, the femme body and mind has long been shaped by the imagination of men. It’s about time we re-sculpted that meat-headed vision into something closer to the reality of femininity—something altogether sweatier yet more refined.”
A typical vision of a powerful woman might wear a pencil skirt, high heels, and a tight bun on a thin body. Taymour flipped that vision on its head this season. The standout features of this collection are the built in abdominal muscles and shoulder pads on models with exposed chiseled arms and legs, as well as plus size, disabled, and pregnant models. Adding these masculine features onto corsets and mini dresses emphasizes the beauty of different body types in a memorable, juxtaposed style.
Photos by Charlie Engman Courtesy of Collina Strada
Photos by Charlie Engman Courtesy of Collina Strada
In an industry that is inherently feminine, this message is especially important being that women only run 14% of the top 50 major fashion houses. While Collina Strada isn’t yet one of those power houses, Taymour’s eye-catching approach to designing clothing draws attention to important causes relevant to those beyond the fashion industry. This is the brand’s overall ethos; it strives to be more than a fashion label. Instead, it is “a platform for social issues and awareness,” with fashion being the medium in which they advocate for what they believe in.
Photos by Charlie Engman Courtesy of Collina Strada
Photos by Charlie Engman Courtesy of Collina Strada
Photos by Charlie Engman Courtesy of Collina Strada
Stronger embraces Taymour’s desire to create uniquely beautiful pieces of clothing while conveying the message “femme is a flex,” and is another valuable chapter in the Collina Strada story. As a female led brand stepping out beyond what the world expects of high-end women’s fashion, Taymour can educate consumers and expand upon what it means to be a female designer.
Photos by Charlie Engman Courtesy of Collina Strada
Instagram: @collinastrada
Article by Danielle Tranter, Contributing Editor, PhotoBook Magazine
Tearsheets by Nicolas Harris, Graphic Design Intern, PhotoBook Magazine
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