A$AP Rocky’s AWGE Surprises at New York Fashion Week
A few days ahead of New York Fashion Week, AWGE, the brand by A$AP Rocky, announced an unexpected show. This surprise event transformed the fashion calendar, showcasing a collection that prioritized a grounded perspective rather than mere spectacle.
A Homecoming Experience
Post-show, A$AP Rocky expressed, “Me being from here, I felt like it was appropriate.” His connection to New York was the backbone of a collection that spanned both menswear and womenswear, effectively blurring traditional gender categories while making strong fashion statements.
Distinctly Rocky Aesthetic
The collection featured a seamless blend of sharp tailoring, preppy essentials, functional workwear, and athletic apparel. The juxtaposition of these elements crafted a signature Rocky vibe—meticulous yet slightly chaotic. Plaids kept appearing, echoing a nostalgic “Clueless”-era schoolgirl look but were continually transformed with fur accents, oversized silhouettes, and unexpected fabric pairings.
Sporty Inspirations and Collaborations
Tailoring took on a bold, latex finish that felt confrontational, while other pieces embraced an oversized, workwear-inspired aesthetic. Sporty influences were abundant, with a selection including leather racing jackets and cropped jerseys from Puma—one of his frequent collaborators. Eyewear from Ray-Ban, where Rocky serves as creative director, further emphasized a commercial thread that enhanced the collection’s edge without compromising its creativity.
Insights into Design Collaboration
Rocky noted his grasp on male fashion desires while emphasizing that for womenswear, he often consults women for insight. His partner, Rihanna, added her star power, appearing front row in full AWGE attire, beaming alongside A$AP Nast, highlighting the collaborative spirit behind the collection.
Breaking the Fourth Wall
The show ingeniously blurred the lines between the runway and reality, inviting guests behind the scenes. Makeup stations set up on the runway allowed attendees to witness models preparing, capturing the imperfections of the fashion process. A live feed showcased the vibrant atmosphere, offering a glimpse into the lineup within the expansive space of a former bank.
Bold Accessories with Meaning
Accessories played a crucial role, with oversized bags intentionally impractical in scale, signifying fashion as an expression of attitude rather than mere practicality. Others carried messages like “We heart our country,” featuring a broken heart emoji. Pieces like fur baby pouches and an oversized leather baby carriage showcased Rocky’s innovative approach to everyday objects, reframing them as fashion statements and emphasizing themes of fatherhood in a stylish, normalized light.
Challenging Norms of Fatherhood in Fashion
In his unique way, Rocky remarked, “I thought it was cool to kind of put men in positions, pushing strollers.” He aimed to depict urban fathers as stylishly involved, illustrating the contemporary reality of parenthood. His perspective encouraged broader conversations within the fashion community about identity, style, and how families express their roles through fashion.
A Celebration of Culture and Community
The overall outcome of the AWGE show was one of expansiveness and excitement—genuine in its portrayal of community identity. Rather than adhering to traditional fashion norms, the presentation felt authentic and alive, illustrating how people dress, interact, and nurture one another. A$AP Rocky’s return to New York was not just about coming home; it was a reimagining of fashion discourse centered around cultural expression.
