Cucculelli Shaheen’s NYFW Debut
On Monday, February 13, after cold-emailing 20+ press contacts, I was invited to attend Cucculelli Shaheen’s New York Fashion Week debut as a volunteer dresser. Their 15th Collection, titled “Les Radiants,” featured thirty-one looks at Webster Hall in the East Village.
Graphic by Grace Livecchi
Founded in 2016 by partners Anthony Cucculelli and Anna Rose Shaheen, Cucculelli Shaheen is a New York City-based luxury design house defined by its intricate design and embroidery. Their website states that their “inspiration is drawn from classical art, music, mythology, and New York City.” These qualities are evident throughout their past collections, and especially in their newest, “Les Radiants.” Many of the pieces include embroidered sun rays, playing off of dark and light motifs, inspired by the Baroque period art of Rembrandt and Georges de La Tour. A majority of the garments are black or red, leading up to the finale: a beautiful gold, sun-embroidered dress.
The Grand Ballroom of Webster Hall was the perfect venue to show the collection–one that highlights craftsmanship, intimacy, and self-expression. Another perfect element for the show was the inclusion of live music. NYC-based musician Breanna Barbara combined sounds of psychedelic rock and strong vocals to serve as the soundtrack for the collection. The models looked stunning on the runway, the group including RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 12 winner, Jaida Essence Hall, and Season 14 contestant, Bosco.
I dressed one of the heaviest runway looks: a long sleeve, silver crystal-embroidered dress with hip cut-outs that required 2,625 hours of hand embroidery. I was fascinated by the attention to detail that occurs backstage, down to matching nails and diamond decals over the ears of every model. While completing seemingly menial tasks before the show, like setting up chairs and assisting with soundcheck, Cucculelli and Shaheen’s enthusiasm and excitement was contagious–never once did I see either of them without a smile on their face.
The hard work and dedication that goes into these runway shows is apparent and serves as an inspiration as I enter the world of fashion design myself. Here’s to many more Fashion Weeks in the future!
To view the whole collection, visit their website: https://www.cu-sh.com/