REBELDNCE means power through art and celebration.
It’s rebellion via positive energy and the creative forces: a rebellion against stagnancy, the mainstream familiarity, and ignorance. The French label describes itself as a high end prêt-à-porter brand whose haute desinvolture aesthetic reflects the international, nomadic culture [of the] non-comformists that inspire their fashion and photography.
And it is exactly that – few brands can claim their actual worth in their about section and live to prove whatever adjectives used to bolster themselves. Co-founder and designer Maikhanh had created REBELDNCE for the non-conformists and artists of the modern-day that originally inspired them: a sort of symbiosis, everything-comes-in-full circle romanticist ideal. Inspiration feeds the inspiring, which becomes the inspiration. It’s a cyclical process, never-ending, never truly beginning.
It was the above photo, from the “Concrete Warriors” collection (the label’s third since it’s debut) which caught my attention. I had been researching for a newer/avant-garde-ish label to write about back during my first stint when I first interned at Dujour Magazine when I stumbled upon it. The image was hardly conventional in terms of what usually attracts my eye, aesthetically. I was drawn immediately to the color palette of both the collection and the photograph itself – the minimalism, the cool colors, the composition, the textures. Would that shaggy felt vest look a bit ridiculous in real life? Quite potentially. But the styling was awesome. The casual-ness of the rest of the outfit – fitted jeans, a statement necklace, a beanie – downplayed the high fashion-quality (read: absurdity in terms of social trend normality). Even then, imagine it as an accessory to a sleek, all-black outfit: skinny pants, a tall platform heel, and a racerback tank or long-sleeved shirt. A.k.a. the perfect girls’ night out ensemble for wining and dining in the fall/winter months.
There was no doubt: the three above images – all from the “Concrete Warrior” collection (love the inspirational collection names!) – propelled me to write an introductory piece on REBEL DNCE for Dujour’s blog, which was later published in their December/January issue. The lookbook is incredibly inspirational standing on its own, and when broken down to the individual piece, requires admiration of the craftsmanship. I adore minimalism (if you can’t tell already), and can always appreciate a palette of blacks and grays. The architecture of each article of clothing, from a structured shoulder (need that leather jacket), to the draped neckline of the third dress is a feast for the eyes and a plus for the silhouette.
The following photos are my favorites from the first collection, “Le Prototype,” with Romain B. James:
Again, I can’t help but re-state how inspiring the photographs themselves are; there’s a blasé, je ne sais quoi aesthetic that results from both the image’s composition and the styling. There’s nothing like a bit of mussed hair – shaking out the roots and barely finger combing – and a brown-nude lip with natural eyes and a strong brow. The silhouettes of the clothing is lovely, a relaxed fit that still places emphasis on the femininity of the woman’s body without exploiting it. And even lovelier is the combination of colors – blues, grays, taupes, and khaki greens, on a variety of textured fabrics. I’d wear all of these in a heartbeat. Especially the outfits in photos 1, 2, and 4. There’s no doubt that this is my favorite collection REBEL DNCE has designed thus far, which, coincidentally, is the most feminine of all four.
Since “Le Prototype” REBEL DNCE has progressed into androgyny. According to their webpage, Maikhanh is redirecting the label, ready to present an entirely unisex collection for SS2011. As much as I adore feminine clothing (hellooo, fifties redux and embracing sexuality!), I’m excited about this upcoming season’s line. I like REBEL DNCE’s direction and aesthetic, and have always had a soft spot for androgyny in women’s clothing.
And what I appreciate most about the androgyny in all of REBEL DNCE’s collections is how it allows the person speak for himself or herself; the clothes no longer bind or define who you are or how you are portrayed. Rather, it allows the woman wearing REBEL DNCE to radiate her femininity and sexuality naturally. Organically. Not through her clothes, but by how she chooses to carry herself. The clothes never hinder her aura, but bolster her individuality. Note the images I’ve selected for this particular post (they’re my favorites, obviously): the clothes are neither revealing nor body-conscious, and yet are emit an air of sexiness and womanly femininity.
Take the power. RBL.
. . .
bises! x
{images via}
a bit coquettish 