When Lil Nas X turned up to the 2019 MTV VMAs in a glittering, Prince-esque silver suit by Christian Cowan, a friendship was born. Now, a little over a year down the line, and their relationship takes a new, creative turn, given the pair have joined forces on a collaborative collection, debuted today at NYFW (digitally at least).
Drawn to Cowan because of his complete disregard for established gender boundaries, Lil Nas’s capsule offering is made up of dramatic, oversized silhouettes tinged with 70s punk and Club Kid-esque flourishes: think all-in-one lace catsuits, bubblegum pink latex tailoring, OTT cinched gowns, slashed jeans, and safety-pinned tees.
Modelling the clothes is the Yeehaw Agenda-setting star himself, who features alongside the likes of Marc Jacobs, 90s supermodel Helena Christensen, and OG Club Kids Amanda Lepore and Susanne Bartsch, as well as Violet Chachki, Chella Man, Teddy Quinlivan, and Parker Kit Hill, with the whole thing a celebration of the vibrant queer community – and particularly the Black LGBTQ+ community.
With this in mind, 100 per cent of profits from the collaborative line are set to be donated to the Loveland Foundation. Established in 2018 by activist Rachel Cargle (who also stars in the campaign), the nonprofit organisation supports and brings healing to communities of colour through therapy, with particular focus on Black girls and women.
Check it out in the gallery above, and donate to the Loveland Foundation here.