Hook’d Fashion Show Review

Hooked gave six emerging designers—Malcolm Guidry, Alexander Smith, Eva Braasch, Shane Foster, Christina Guillermo, and Justin Le—a platform to showcase their work. Fashion is constantly evolving, and there’s no better way to stay on the pulse than by watching students, the youngest voices in the industry, express their visions. These collections offered a dynamic mix of perspectives, showcasing refined craftsmanship, bold creative vision, and innovation that signals an exciting future for fashion’s next generation. 

Malcolm Guidry: Femininity with an Edge

Malcolm Guidry, Hooked Magazine’s editor-in-chief, opened the show with a striking trio of looks. Guidry’s collection danced between dark romance and industrial grit, fusing a moody palette of charcoal, slate, and black with feminine silhouettes ranging from slinky to daringly short babydoll dresses. The garments were paired subversively with streetwear details like silver hardware and hand-painted lettering. The tension between softness and edge gave the looks a strong visual appeal.

Alexander Smith: Sleek and Sensual with 90s Reverence

Alexander Smith presented three looks that were both sexy and minimalist. Clean lines were interrupted by provocative sheer mesh panels, used cleverly to add interest to otherwise simple silhouettes. Each look played with structure and restraint, striking a balance between sophistication and allure. The collection echoed Tom Ford’s iconic era at Gucci—cool, modern, and subtly rebellious.

Eva Braasch: Ultra-Feminine and Flawlessly Executed

Eva Braasch’s two-look presentation was a refined study of craftsmanship and elegance. Working within a delicate palette of soft blush and dusty rose, she delivered dresses that were both unapologetically feminine and impeccably constructed.

Shane Foster: Thoughtful Minimalism with a Sustainable Twist

Shane Foster’s seven-look collection seemed to echo Foster’s own style: grounded, earthy, streetwear. Working with a neutral palette of olive, stone, and ochre, Foster crafted a wardrobe of minimalist garments elevated by distinctive fabrics and thoughtful construction. One standout look featured a repurposed sack—an innovative, sustainable detail I appreciated. 

 Christina Guillermo: Impeccable Tops and Cultural Reverence

Christina Guillermo presented four looks. Drawing inspiration from traditional Japanese silhouettes, Guillermo reimagined classic forms with a modern sensibility. Her use of collared necklines, flowing sleeves, and cinched waists demonstrated a strong command of proportion and a deep appreciation for structure. Each piece felt precise and timeless yet contemporary. 

Justin Le: Power Dressing 

The finale rightfully belonged to Justin Le, whose four-look collection offered a bold and imaginative reworking of women’s suiting. Lee took the foundations of traditional tailoring and turned them on their head, crafting garments that were theatrical, sculptural, and unapologetically avant-garde. Unexpected draping and exaggerated silhouettes gave the collection a captivating sculptural quality. The technical execution and imaginative concept set the collection apart, making it a standout moment of the evening. It was a powerful and fitting close to a show defined by innovation and fresh perspective.