De Luxe. Area AW18

February 13, 2018 | Design & Culture by Ed

For a few seasons, Piotrek Panszczyk and Beckett Fogg‘s collections were New York fashion week’s escape to a cosmic-glam odyssey. With that niche, in fact, Area became a local trend-setter, that gets quickly copied by not only the up-and-coming labels, but the big players. This season, the designers took a more down-to-earth approach, but that doesn’t mean the collection was less disctinct to the brand’s identity. With more go-to pieces in offer, like adorably ruffled blazers or striped knits, Area smartly aims at the retailers. But the ‘she’s so fetch’ attitude is present, as usual – just note the leopard spots print, patchworked on a coat or used for slim pants. Crystal trimmings on the dresses and skirts are dramatically chic, wherever you are. Faux-fur appeared in all the fun places as well, while the intriguingly shaped hats brought a de luxe cowboy feel (think Madonna in Music video-clip). Some say that New York is short of young talent. Well, look at Area and better reconsider what you’ve said.

Collage by Edward Kanarecki.

I’m Glamorous. Area Resort 2018

November 9, 2017 | Design & Culture by Ed

The moment I saw Area‘s resort 2018 collection, I had Fergie spelling ‘glamorous’ in my head. So G-L-A-M-O-R-O-U-S.

Beckett Fogg and Piotrek Panszczyk‘s retro-meets-futurist allure is New York’s latest obsession, whether we’re speaking of their cocktail-ready evening wear or rhinestone hoops. The look-book’s highlights are definitely the intricately embellished sweatpants and hoodies in black. Don’t you agree they redefine the meaning of ‘night-out’ pieces? A peach jacket and candy-pink midi skirts are the more day-to-day elements of the collection, but equally desirable. Also, that Veruschka-inspired hair makes this seductive collection even more drop-dead gorgeous. This season, however, it seems that the designers look towards the Middle East – the fez hats were a quite literal clue. Well, I somehow can see those luxe, yet unpretentious pieces worn near Dubai’s tallest skyscrapers or around the man-made beaches. It’s kind of low-key Carrie Bradshaw / Samatha Jones in the Sex And The City’s desert escapade.

Collage by Edward Kanarecki.

Like Champagne. Area SS18

September 10, 2017 | Design & Culture by Ed

Area is getting better with time, just like wine. By that, I have no intentions to say that Beckett Fogg‘s and Piotrek Panszczyk‘s label gets boringly mature. It gets fun! And braver! Yesterday’s fashion show was literally a blast – the richness of colours, the frivolity, all that glam in form of bold red dresses and shoulder-exposing tops. The entire show was an extremely bright moment, full of joy and happiness, which is quite rare to see during New York fashion week, where designers mostly send down beiges and whites. And pastels, duh. What I also liked about the show was that every woman might find something for her here – fashion with allure and expression is not for young-only and Insta-models. A laid-back suit (in fluorescent fabric), minis, maxis. Being the Area girl must be a very good, good feeling. Like a glass of summer wine! Or better – out-of-fridge, bubble-exploding champagne.

Collage by Edward Kanarecki.

Desire. Area AW17

February 13, 2017 | Design & Culture by Ed

Area is one of the most daring New York-based labels with its semi-glamorous aesthetic. The designers, Beckett Fogg and Piotrek Panszczyk, prove that once again in their autumn-winter 2017 collection – which, by the way, was their big runway debut. The collection was dripping with sexuality, from fluid-like dresses in purple to crystal thong knickers. A fabulous, fur bra was worn over a t-shirt, while zirconia bangles and platform heels were purely about the attitude of a stripper-cool femme. Since launching Area, Beckett and Piotrek polish their home-made signature – sassy croc-like embossing, which consistently appears everywhere, from the dresses to pants. Now, the brand expands to ripped denim and rather commercial t-shirts with slogans like ‘J’aime Drama‘. But who doesn’t go for these tricks in New York right now? And fashion drama is definitely the thing that makes Area one-of-a-kind.

Lil’Kim Approved. Area SS17

September 11, 2016September 11, 2016 | Design & Culture by Ed

For spring-summer 2017, Beckett Fogg and Piotrek Panszczyk of Area searched deep for inspiration in their favourite issues of Vogue, coming from the 1960s and 2000s. Both of these major fashion eras are alive in the new season clothing, full of shiny rhinestones and feminine tulle. At Area, there’s often a stark contrast between what’s “good taste” and what’s kitsch – but in the end, the collections always ooze with glamour. Ahh, the I-used-to-be-cool Lucite accessories flecked with suspended glitter. Big, big rings, hoop earrings, and chopsticks for hair (which, by the way, would be a perfect fit for Samantha Jones). And I nearly forgot about those sunglasses! I mean, they revive every single thing, from Spice Girls to Bubble from Absolutely Fabulous. The look-book, photographed by Charlotte Wales, is full of fluorescent, gleaming flares and ruffled tops. One of the dresses, made of a croc-skin imitating fabric, is strangely sexy with all those cuts and bows. Then, suddenly, we’ve got the Dalmatian print all over the pants. Fun. Who else would have slayed Area’s newest creations? My vote is for Lil’ Kim (of course the old, good 2003 version of her)!