Hypebeast Visits: Heron Preston’s NYC Homecoming FW23 Show
In the latest installment of Hypebeast Visits, we take a closer look at how the NY-based designer’s latest show came together.
For the latest installment of Hypebeast Visits, we caught up with Heron Preston for his homecoming FW23 show. Taking place this past February during NYFW, the designer’s recent showing offered a clear view of how the San Francisco native approaches design through a refreshingly organic observational lens. Irrefutably street, Preston’s eponymous label continues to put fun into high and low dressing – with the FW23 collection being one of the clearest examples to date.
Although Heron Preston is based in New York City, the show served as his NYFW runway debut after presenting in Paris for several seasons since his 2017 founding. What may appear to some as reverse, came at just the right time for Preston as it represented where he started. In this poignancy rests not just the heart of Preston’s FW23 show, but his overall design philosophy at large. Leading up to the show, Preston’s fitting space was of course filled with racks and tables full of clothes and accessories. However, the magic in it all was that there was no formula other than observation.
“The occasion is no occasion but life itself,” said Preston. “I don’t read books or magazines for inspiration. I read people. I read personal styles. I read codes and I just start to unpack what I’m observing.” Whether it be chainmail tops that mirror NYC fencing or blue motocross gloves that were inspired by a man Preston saw walking his dog, it is evident that the fusion of fresh and fun stems from Preston’s ground-level attitude.
About Preston’s decision to showcase in NYC, he told us: “It’s like the city was calling me. I’ve lived here since 24 and there’s just a bunch of friends and family that haven’t been to any of my fashion shows ever. This is what has inspired me. The city. I look at this as more of an event to bring my friends and family together. I think it’s time to just reconnect with the community.” In the vein of celebrating his journey and the community he built, the creative’s vision for the show was to bring back the raw approach of runway shows and getting your foot in fashion.
“I know how elitist fashion can be and that’s just not me. That’s not what I identify with.”
Take an inside look at Heron Preston’s FW23 show above.
Elsewhere, Marni and No Vacancy Inn’s collaboration brings joy and freedom to dressing.
