At this month’s New York Fashion Week, French fashion designer and leather expert Laurence Basse presented a show that was nothing short of electrifying. Held at The Paramount Building in Times Square, Basse showcased her label, LAURENCE BASSE PARIS, with a collection that emphasized meticulous attention to detail and structure. Dubbed “BURN THE CITY,” the collection drew inspiration from current world events, exploring the fine line between beauty and pain.
Basse’s intention was to delve into the concepts of war and peace, which sparked the initial inspiration for this collection. By choosing a raw space in Times Square, her bold designs, vibrant colors, and evocative music were able to command the entire venue.
The show unfolded in three distinct sections, each accompanied by a different soundtrack: “Killer” by Seal for the Première Partie, “It Girl” by Alyiah’s Interlude for the Deuxième Partie, and a classical rendition of “Wicked Games” for the final part, Troisième Partie.
Each segment was a visual feast, with Basse introducing a palette beyond her signature black, incorporating pinks, blues, greens, and sheer metallic tones. The collection also showcased custom-designed chainlink jewelry from Basse’s collaboration with Mr. O Atelier, lending an industrial edge to the ensembles.
In a candid interview with me backstage, Basse, a true French icon, shared insights into her journey from a fashion art school student in Paris to a renowned designer. Moreover, she has been featured as a model in major publications such as ELLE Magazine, Cosmopolitan, and many others. Contrary to popular belief, Basse clarified, “I was not a model that turned designer. I was a designer. I was in school and I was modeling to pay my bills. People that don’t know me didn’t know that, but I was always an artist.”
When asked about her departure from dark tones with the introduction of a bright fuchsia fur coat, she responded with a laugh, “I am very extreme. It will be a big pop of color or black, and I felt the fuchsia was just perfect” After the interview, we shared a chuckle over the ironic nature of design. It’s often an all-black affair until that perfect bold color catches your eye, transforming it into an irresistible must-have.
Basse is a designer who is taking the fashion world by storm. From her bold choices in colors and accessories to the innovative use of space, she creates collections that are not just clothing, but moving art. The standout pieces for me were the stunning fuchsia fur coat, a two-piece leather gown, and a baby pink leather jumpsuit. With this collection, Basse has once again proven that her designs are a powerful blend of art, beauty, and architecture. I eagerly anticipate what she has in store for her Spring/Summer collection come autumn.
