Designer Aaron Potts explains his latest collection Urbanearth, “it’s like when you’re walking down the street in the concrete jungle, and then you see a crack in the concrete with the green sprigs coming up—that is an emotional moment and I wanted to capture that feeling.” The collection began with monochromatic looks in whites and blacks that included denim before presenting ensembles of gold foil, greens, and oranges. The way the natural lighting and clothes interacted—sometimes flowing, sometimes shimmering—created an otherworldly atmosphere for the show.
The models were diverse in age, gender, and race, representing a collection diverse in style. There were garments and ensembles that would work for a variety of people; whether that’s a chartreuse cord set for those appreciating simple silhouettes yet bold colors, a deconstructed white shirt dress with detachable sleeves for the more avant-garde customer, or a gold-foil floor length dress for those who need their moment to shine. Despite the variety, the collection does not feel discombobulated, A. Potts managed to tie everything together in a way that feels cohesive and complimentary.
Perhaps the standout feature of this show was the sense of community Potts harnessed. “When I started this brand, it was not just about clothes, it was about creating a space that I wanted to be in. Something healthy, creative, and collaborative. I’m an industry veteran, and sadly those are things that the industry didn’t provide for me many times, so I wanted my business to be a space for artists to work collaboratively in a healthy environment.” Many of the models in the show have been friends and collaborators of the designer for years. The conspicuous jewelry that was presented in this collection was made by artist Eva Thora Art, a friend and collaborator of Pott’s whom he’s known for over 20 years, and who usually designs his prints. This collection was truly a celebration of kinship; a coming together of different kinds of people to make a stronger whole.