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Diversity in Fashion at Deveaux New York

— by Alyson Walsh

Walda Laurenceau at Deveaux New York

The fashion world is a far more inclusive place than it was a decade ago. The rise of social media and the call for increased diversity from those with the platforms to start a conversation (ahem) has revolutionised the industry. I was going to do an ‘older models at fashion week’ round-up but then my grey-dar went into overdrive when I saw these beautiful images from Deveaux New York’s AW19 catwalk show, online. The combination of gentlewoman styling, an understated palette and inclusion of models of all ethnicities, shapes and ages is absolutely glorious, and a refreshing breather from the sensory-overload (and same old, same old) that is fashion week. ‘I wanted the cast to be reflective of the customer,’ street-style photographer turned Creative Director Tommy Ton said of the models, who ranged in age from 13 to 82-years-old. Deveaux featured some That’s Not My Age favourites including: the silver set-designer-cum- model Jocelyne Beaudoin, model Maryann Elizabeth, influencer Grece Ghanem and acupuncturist and part-time model Walda Laurenceau. More performance art than traditional catwalk, the show was choreographed to reflect what happens on the street (hence the 13-year-old); with models of all ages moving around and interacting together.

Maryann Elizabeth. Photo: Tommy Ton

 

The made-in-America label was founded as a menswear brand by Andrea Tsao and Matthew Breen in 2015. The pair were joined by Tommy Ton early last year and Deveaux  launches its first women’s range this spring. Intended to be a unisex/gender-fluid line with pieces graded down from menswear and slightly modified for women. The interchangeable collection is not trend-led, but carefully considered. This is a quiet kind of luxury with pared-back pieces, such as: ankle-skimming trousers, loose tailoring, easy going outerwear and plenty of penny loafers; think Margaret Howell meets Tome.  And yes, all of these beautiful clothes have got my name on them, if Mr. T. Ton could just let me know when the 75% off sample sale is…

Ageless style at its finest

Deveaux New York’s first women’s collection

Plenty of penny loafers

 

 

 

Interchangeable, intergenerational style, this is what fashion dreams are made of…

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