HARVARD PUNK’D: the name of Christopher Lowman’s Spring/Summer 2018 collection says exactly what the clothes emulate. The New York City based designer was inspired by “the modern day college student battling the everyday chain of emotions such as financial instability and mental health issues that lead to the possibility of becoming a college dropout,” according to the show’s notes.

Utilizing a wide range of unique textiles such as satin fabrics imported from Australia, as well as suede and lambskin with intricate patterns, Lowman’s collection is a collegiate take on punk, an encapsulation of the Ivy League bad boy. In partnership with New Balance Athletics, luxury shoe brand Angela Mitchell, jewelry brand Currency NY, eyewear brand Vivid Eyewear and contemporary watch maker Citizen, the models sported sleek and tailored looks with interesting and unexpected pops of bright color here and there.

Notable looks included a head-to-toe camouflage shirt and camo denim set, with vibrant orange buttons to break up the aggressive print. Styled with the camo look were stacked gold chains, which pushed the look even further into an edgy realm. In addition, one model sported the “Hopeless” denim pullover paired with distressed denim trousers. The denim pullover featured phrases like “Overwhelmed And Feeling Hopeless” and “Will This Get Me A Job Paying $50000 A Year,” which certainly tied into Lowman’s emotional college student theme.

While Lowman’s S/S 2018 designs reflect a different side of his creativity, it is notable that when compared to his previous season’s runway shows, many of his S/S 2018 looks utilize recycled design elements, such as the varsity jacket lettering and the writing over finished pieces. Nevertheless, a feast for the eyes and thought provoking for the mind, Christopher Lowman’s Spring/Summer 2018 presentation did not disappoint.

Email Thomas Chou at [email protected].