A$AP Rocky's American Sabotage is an unusual title for a fashion show. Then again, when is A$AP Rocky ever normal?
Even Rocky's first fashion show was an exhilarating experience. Its livestream was broadcast simultaneously on YouTube, Twitter/X, and the website for AWGE, Rocky's mysterious collective, and the majority of them did not work properly.
However, that's the entertainment industry. With their first runway show, everyone has to be prepared for some shenanigans.
Furthermore, it's absurd that Rocky is only now becoming involved in fashion shows. It's A$AP. Remember Rocky? He of the numerous (implied and actual) Bottega Veneta advertisements, the endlessly stylish attire, and the two (or three?) born-to-be cool kids thanks to Rihanna.
Did you read this?
Rocky's clothes will be for sale, but his swag won't be.
And in April, they really were. At that time, Rocky unveiled AWGE's first ready-to-wear line, replacing traditional merchandise with conceptual shirts and $600 jeans. the customary? Rocky would never do that.
However, that drop—which is still accessible on AWGE's online store—was just a preview of what's to come.
Rocky's first fashion show was as much a performance as it was a display of clothing, and it was attended by a diverse group of people that included LVMH scion Alexandre Arnault, Pusha T, Michèle Lamy, Rihanna, and designer JW Anderson of LOEWE.
With all of the recent rumors about Chanel, it was fitting that the venue was Karl Lagerfeld's home. Outside, AWGE gathered a group of frantic "protestors" holding signs that read "DON'T BE DUMB," which is rumored to be the title of Rocky's much-anticipated upcoming album.
It wasn't much more peaceful inside.
Music started blaring as soon as the show started, including what is rumored to be the first public sample of Don't Be Dumb.
Speeding models wore billowing T-shirts, heavily layered tank tops, baggy jeans, and suits, some with low-rise skirts à la Miu Miu and others with shirt and tie. Their hair was either swept under a bright bandana or beaded with pearls.
Some even pooled atop Rocky's PUMA Inhale sneakers, which release in September, and wore a faux flannel "shirt" around their jeans, giving off major '12 Rocky vibes.
With the help of three young designers, Bede Marchand, Joshua Jamal, and Coucou Bebe—who previously made several bespoke pieces from their Coucou_Bebe75018 line for Rocky—all of these Rocky-flavored outfits were brought to life as ideas by Rocky himself.
Stated differently, every individual was attired in a manner reminiscent of A$AP Rocky.
