Speed, draws inspiration from the famed 2009 Harper’s Bazaar photograph of Naomi Campbell wearing a a Dolce & Gabbana cheetah print bodysuit, running alongside a cheetah, by Jean-Paul Goude. Feben also drew from the ouevre of German artist Isa Genzken, known for her ability to transform the ordinary into compelling sculptures, and the fast-paced lifestyle of London. “The collection aims to merge the worlds of Feben and Dolce & Gabbana through a sexy and surrealist lens, transforming the mundane into aesthetically pleasing pieces,” she explained.
Taking place at on a sunny morning at the Dolce & Gabbana HQ on Via Broggi in Milan, the show delivered a smörgåsbord of Feben’s smash hits: her bobble technique, a hallmark of her brand since its inception in 2020, was reimagined into a seductive and striking gold lamé dress with architectural shoulders. Animal prints, a longstanding signature of Dolce & Gabbana, were abstracted and digitally printed onto sensuous leotards and long-sleeve column dresses layered with pencil skirts. On the outerwear line-up? Puffer coat dresses (with matching hand-warmers!), cropped jackets and exquisitely tailored blazers which infused the collection with an offbeat elegance.
Other standout pieces: a multi-coloured backless mini dress boasting an intricately beaded skirt crafted by artisans from Accra, worn by Vogue contributing beauty editor Tish Weinstock, an uplifting double-breasted suit in vivid azure blue; a twisted print bodysuit paired with beaded chaps: a LBD with a plunging V-neckline worn by by supermodel Ashley Graham to close the show.
Even before graduating from Central Saint Martins in London, Feben had already garnered the attention of Beyoncé (who wore her creations in the “Brown Skin Girl” music video), Erykah Badu, Janelle Monáe, and Michaela Coel. But despite her rapid ascension, Feben remains humble about her work. “It’s amazing to have a major brand take a chance on my relatively unknown label. As a Black female designer, having this platform for visibility is a significant milestone,” she reflected. Something tells us that after this spectacular show, all eyes will be on Feben.
