Internationally recognised art and literary critic, writer and cultural producer. Published in ELLE, Glamour, Esquire and Cosmopolitan; member of the Union of Writers.
New York Fashion Week is one of the most prestigious and influential events in the fashion industry, showcasing the latest trends and collections from established and emerging designers. Among the latter, one name stands out: Ludovic de Saint Sernin, a French-born, London-based designer who has been making waves with his gender-fluid and sensual creations.
From Instagram to the Runway
Ludovic de Saint Sernin’s journey to the fashion world was not a conventional one. He did not study fashion design, nor did he work for any major fashion houses. Instead, he started his own label in 2017, after working as a stylist and a social media manager for Balmain. He used Instagram as his main platform to promote his brand, posting photos of his friends and muses wearing his designs. His aesthetic, which he describes as “e-boy”, combines elements of streetwear, sportswear, and underwear, with a focus on craftsmanship and quality. His clothes are meant to be worn by anyone, regardless of gender, age, or body type.
His Instagram strategy paid off, as he quickly gained a loyal fan base and caught the attention of influential figures in the fashion industry, such as Rihanna, who wore one of his crystal-embellished tops in 2018. He also received critical acclaim, winning the Andam Creative Label Prize in 2019 and being nominated for the LVMH Prize in 2020. He was invited to show his collections at Paris Fashion Week, where he impressed the audiences with his innovative and provocative designs, such as a leather harness, a crocheted bikini, and a Swarovski crystal eyelet.
A New Challenge: New York Fashion Week
In 2024, Ludovic de Saint Sernin decided to take on a new challenge: showing his collection at New York Fashion Week, as part of the CFDA’s American Collections Calendar. He was one of the few non-American designers to participate in the event, which aimed to showcase the diversity and creativity of the American fashion scene. He said he was excited and honored to be part of the initiative, and that he wanted to bring his vision and energy to New York.
His collection, titled “Wet’n’Wild”, was inspired by his memories of summer holidays in the south of France, where he would go to the beach and swim in the sea. He said he wanted to capture the feeling of freedom, joy, and sensuality that he experienced there. He also said he wanted to celebrate the beauty and diversity of the human body, and to challenge the norms and stereotypes of gender and sexuality.
The collection featured a range of pieces, from swimwear and beachwear, to evening wear and accessories, all in vibrant colors and textures. Some of the highlights included a tie-dye denim jacket, a crochet dress, a sequined jumpsuit, and a pearl necklace. The models, who were of different genders, ages, and sizes, walked the runway with confidence and charisma, embodying the spirit of the collection. The show was a success, receiving positive reviews from critics and fans alike, who praised Ludovic de Saint Sernin’s originality and talent.
The Future of Fashion
Ludovic de Saint Sernin is not only a rising star of New York Fashion Week, but also of the global fashion industry. He represents a new generation of designers who are breaking the boundaries of fashion, and creating clothes that are inclusive, expressive, and empowering. He is also a role model for young creatives who want to pursue their dreams and passions, and who use social media as a tool to connect and communicate with their audiences. He is, in short, the future of fashion.
