NOID’s Runway Debut: A Review on Breaking Barriers
It’s not often that we get to see new designers making the scene at New York Fashion Week, but this one was spoken about by many influencers and critics as one of the main events for NY 2023. Denzel Dion, known predominantly from his ‘brutally-honest’ content on YouTube, Vine (if you even want to go back that far) or podcast with best friend and co-star Rickey Thompson, dropped his runway debut for his brand NOID early last month.
NOID is a Los Angeles-based luxury brand founded by Dion in early 2020. Recognised as a genderless brand that ‘co-exists beyond the existing limit when it comes to clothing’. Noid represents the opposition of clothing choices that coexist within reach. Male, female, non-binary, or whoever you confidently stand to be, this brand is for you. NOIDs online presence has been impactful while still maintaining minimalism, with a couple of campaigns coming out on instagram showcasing smaller capsules, but now we have a full collection. NOID has gone IRL, and this is what we have to say about it.
Named Collision, the collection imitated his brutally honest approach; “I design what I want to see on the racks” Dion says in an interview with Hypebeast when discussing about the lack of diversity when it comes to clothing. “I really wanted to have fun, but honing in on my aesthetic which is shoulder-pads, leathers, furs and a luxe feel.” This collection definitely agreed with the staples, with models coming out onto the runway in various silhouettes, all complimenting the body in its own unique and appetising way. Rich leathers in red and black consistently ran down the runway, portraying his heritage from Ghana while also showcasing the death of his past self, imitating a funeral esque atmosphere. The collection was dark and eery, while still maintaining a sexiness to the looks.
Favourite looks include look nine, detailing a sleeveless dress that attaches as a turtle neck in a rich shade of red. Underneath the textured dress was black pants, unveiling a patent leather heel. Juxtaposing the garments that showcased the bodies figure with the models defined arms, creates a mesh of gender expression, fulfilling Dion’s focus on creating an effective genderless collection. Another garment includes look three, with the model wearing a dark orange leather coat as the dominating piece. Beautifully tailored with adjusted collars with multiple edges, this coat became more defined with the 80s trousers completing the look. Simple yet effortless.
What makes this collection so special is Dion and his journey into fashion. A-lot of his popularity came from his comedic reviews on YouTube for Coachella or any major red carpet event where he tore many celebrities apart. People loved his ‘don’t care’ energy which many commentators were afraid to endorse. Youtube has had many success stories in the way that it transforms everyday people to social media influencers or indeed celebrities, but there are only a handful who can turn that transition into something tangible and impactful for an industry that isn’t related to his personal fame. Yes, his online presence definitely opened some doors for Dion, but his talent shines through in his work. To have an influencer take the leap into developing their career outside of the realm of direct influencing creates a permanent shift that displays evolution from an already saturated role. Everyone, and I mean everyone has become a social media influencer now-a-days, so this debut separates him as an individual with influence, not just presence.
We are excited to see where Dion takes his next project with NOID. It’s clear that everyone around him is cheering him on since the beginnings of his journey in fashion and we are too. It’s pretty difficult to find any video(s) on the collection, but see attached some links to find some of the looks.
Capricorns, unite.