Elena Velez’s Muses of the Sea
Velez debuted her largest show to date LEECH, presenting a multidimensional fem antihero crawling out from the seas.
Image Courtesy of Elena Velez and Mode World
With her mother being a ship captain, Elena Velez’s childhood was spent among docks and shipyards. For her FW25 ready-to-wear show, LEECH, she constructed amphibious imagery that tells the story of a ragged, seductive, almost mythical creature.
An allegory for the contradictions of a woman’s profile is also represented by the symbolic women who inject life into Velez’s designs by walking down the runway. Among them are singer-songwriter Dorian Electra, rapper Rico Nasty, Leah McSweeney, and Anna Delvey (no introduction needed).
The digitally futuristic space of Artechouse in Chelsea clashed with the sounds of a dark ocean and stranded ships, setting the stage for the models that appeared, sliding behind gloomy rocks and black sand.
The sea tale starts with messy sailors in baggy pants, knit sweaters, thick shirts, and heavy, structured, long coats. Flirtatious ladies in corseted figures then morph into misty and soggy characters. The faces of these anti-heroes appear somber in dark makeup, tangled hair, and wet looks.
Image Courtesy of Elena Velez and Mode World
Delicate gowns appeared ragged by the tide, carrying the waste of the sea: rusty keys attached to a belt, bodies trapped in metallic structures, and fishnets hanging from the garments. The ocean flow follows its course, and even the slippery seaweed sticks and attaches to the body, forming a glamorous, sick ball gown.
Via LEECH, Elena Velez created her own type of sea muse. One who is a sweet, punk viper with an alluring identity. Both good and evil, she can seduce you with her siren song or make you feel distressed just by being around her. But one thing is clear: you can’t take your eyes off her.
