What does it mean to be a prime member of capitalist society? That’s the question Vaquera strives to answer through each of its collections. The twentysomething designers of Vaquera draw inspiration from their teen years and reimagine it to make a social commentary. Their Fall/Winter 2017 collection was no exception.

Like their Spring/Summer 2017 collection, which was influenced by Abercrombie & Fitch, the Vaquera designers wanted to take on the American dream again. This season’s commentary honed in on the phenomenon of Tiffany & Co., the status symbol for consumer culture in the early 2000s, mixed with consumerism from the Bush administration.

Now, Tiffany & Co. is just a name of the past, solely remembered for its signature heart-shaped necklace as the company struggles to resonate with millennials. Vaquera sought to revive its name by paying homage to the beloved company. The icon piece of Vaquera’s dedication was their Vaquera & Co. oversized pouch done in the signature Tiffany blue.

The entire collection was meant to be androgynous —  some women wore mechanics’ clothes and some men wore tulle skirts. With 33 looks in total, the collection ranged from a pair of overalls stylized as a coin purse to an American flag masked dress with a elongated train. Most of the outfits featured oversized pieces which often billowed, revealing skin where it may usually remain concealed.

Many of the looks highlighted the American dream in terms of careers to be had, as embodied by the chef wedding gown or the auto worker ensemble accompanied by a toolbox purse. This collection fully encompassed the American dream venture by juxtaposing quintessential elements of the modern American bourgeoisie and proletariat.

Email Pamela Jew at [email protected].