SS24 - Parachute Project
This editorial captures a unique collaboration between a group of New York based friends consisting of artists, designers, and skaters to showcase the latest mini-collection, NAYF AND WAVEY x DAIZY, through the lens of photographer Thophles Williams. The designers, Joanna Fongern and Natalie Thomas, who met a few years back through mutual connections while skating in the city, wanted the visual direction behind this catalog to reflect a normal day downtown with the homies. The beauty of New York’s Lower East Side is that even in the midst of gentrification, it still acts as a nucleus to many underground circles that take comfort in being able to exist cohesively together and feed off each other’s creative energy. Its location also makes it an ideal meet-up point for those coming from Uptown, Brooklyn, or Queens. They reached out to Pink and Kyzer, both of whom skate and are multi-talented artists from New Jersey and Washington Heights respectively, based on the natural chemistry they had as old friends from the scene. And with a couple of tallboys in hand, spliffs behind the ear, a portable speaker on the hip, and their boards under the feet, the familiar journey began. This collection features looks that are lightweight, durable, and convertible for those endless summer days when your board can lead you anywhere. Nayf and Wavey's ripstop nylon suits are paneled with breathable mesh and secured with paracord, drawing inspiration from vintage parachute construction. Daizy Label's crocheted tops achieve an effortless “throw-on” look with lightweight mesh patterns and satin linings throughout. Their accessories combine structure and style, including a fanny pack with neon paracord straps connected by large metal rings as well as a bag crocheted entirely out of paracord, complete with interchangeable straps that reflect the versatility of city life. All of the pieces paired together to create a vibrantly rich dialogue between downtown style and function, while feeding off of both the homies’ energy and the urban landscape. Working with friends provided a fun creative challenge for the skillsets of everyone involved while also embraced the belief that within the creative circles of New York, the only proper way for everyone to come up is together through community.