“I wanted to imagine a world in which varsity athletes were artists - a thought that isn’t all that fantastical - but lovely none the less. Imagining varsity wrestlers running from their match to their studio, surrounded by the fiery, crisp hills of the Berkshires was my initial idea. They would wear something that’s comfortable but considered, elegant but cheeky. They’re New England jocks, sculptors, poets and hedonists whose sexuality can be a bit blurred and they are confident enough to embrace that as well rounded, creative individuals instead of feeling like they were opposites.” Holden Akerley
HOLD NYC held it’s first show on the evening of February 13th, at 7pm, at The Eagle, the legendary gay leather bar in the heart of Chelsea of NYC. The winter storm that passed through earlier in the day set the perfect outdoor setting reminiscent of the Berkshires, while the dark, sexy, dungeon-like interior winked at something less innocent.
The collection started with warm tans and rusts, mixed with dusty, warm lavender that led into colonial sage greens and winter forests. The pieces were soft, easy and luxurious. Silhouettes mixed preppy fits with fetishized sportsgear items. Moto pants were imagined in wool sateen, basketball shorts in lush suiting. There was a cashmere double breasted blazer and an easy wool Herrington jacket with blanket stitch detailing both layered over technical singlets. Artistic trousers were paired with a technical knit turtleneck or layered over silk shorts and paired with a spaghetti strap sport top. Ultra-fine merino wool sweaters provided softness to ballistic nylon moto pants or a cropped twill Eisenhower jacket. Open slit, moto-satin, maxi skirts gave the vibe of an opening reception.
The Varsity Jock Bag, in leather and wool cloth versions, were inspired by the locker room and transformed into the perfect pouch bag for the season.
Adding a touch of nostalgia with a sexy spin, beaded accessories in the collection hearken back to youth, infusing a cheeky nod into a nostalgic craft.
HOLD NYC will continue to explore the dualities and similarities between art and sport, hard and soft, easy and thoughtful to provide stimulating options to a modern customer.