INFAMOUS VIE: Back and Better Than Ever
Another round of applause goes out to AUP’s own, Arafat Adekunle (aka Harpy), for pulling off yet another successful Infamous show. Last year’s show, Contemporary Reconstruction, was about street style and the new generation. However, this new fall/winter collection takes this concept and pushes it to a whole new level by playing on one of our generation’s biggest ethical and environmental issues — sustainability in the fashion industry.
Fast fashion is a nonstarter with the up and coming Infamous brand. Harpy’s “Crafting Sustainability” collection was inspired by both, recycling and avant-garde. The inspiration for the collection is immediately apparent when viewing the cleverly reconstructed pieces. Harpy added layers of complexity to this collection by including looks for men, women, as well as adding accessories all in one show. However, despite all of the new elements, Harpy kept true to his signature streetwear style; most of the looks are playfully androgynous.
Image Credit: Francesca Coyne
The show took place on Saturday, April 21st, in the private garden of Monsieur Jean Lignel. The show started with a musical performance from Harpy’s friends and up and coming musicians, Felix, Diego, and Malick. Then, the models walked all throughout the garden, styled with electric blue makeup. After the show was over, everyone was welcomed to enjoy champagne in the garden in order to celebrate the show’s great success.
Jeans and jackets appeared to be the standout pieces in this collection. Two of the ladies were sporting a fantastic ripped skinny jean with a lace underlay. The men, on the other hand, were rocking jeans that had everything from snakes painted on them to chains all over. One highlight pieces was a pair of loose fitting jeans, reconstructed with denim pockets, looking to be a cleverly reversed ripped pair of jeans.
Image Credit: Francesca Coyne Image Credit: Francesca Coyne
Jackets also stood out, with one army green rain jacket overlaid with a lighter green that was particularly striking. Harpy also did not shy away from bold colors. He included two bright orange jackets that were paired with his statement accessory, the chest bag.
The chest bag is not only Harpy’s favorite piece in the collection, but also it is also one of the most innovative things that hit the runway. These bags will be available for sale in the upcoming months, you can buy them here. Other pieces will be available for preorder a few weeks after. The whole collection will be on sale in time for the fall season. So unfortunately, there’s a bit of a wait until one can get their hands on one of these ‘infamous’ pieces, but it should be well worth it!
Image Credit: Francesca Coyne
Until then, we are going to be forced to admire Harpy’s work from afar. This collection took him about two months to put together, and this time he did it all on his own. For the last show, Harpy got a 3,012 euro grant from AUP’s Student Government Association. This time however, he was independent, so this show is truly a testament to Harpy’s hard work and dedication to the brand.
Where will he go next? Harpy says he isn’t quite sure yet. But rest assured, we’ll be waiting to see.
If you want to follow their journey here is their Instagram. Hat’s off to you, Harpy! AUP is proud to call you one of their own. Also, check out a couple looks from the show below!
Image Credit: Francesca Coyne Image Credit: Francesca Coyne Image Credit: Francesca Coyne Image Credit: Francesca Coyne
