Theophilio Brought Carnival To NYFW

As one of the designers to show on the final day of fashion week, Theophlio really went out with a bang. It was only designer Edvin Thompson’s second runway show, but it was met with incredible anticipation to top it off last year. The brand acts as a love letter to Thompson’s home country of Jamaica, with sartorial representation of the island at every turn. The buttons on the suits included engravings of famous Jamaicans on them, the usual colors of the occasion flowed effortlessly, and the usual fishnet moments were there too, a nod to dance culture.

One of Thompson’s greatest design skills is the ability to present clothes that are so rooted in the resort, but have a universality to wear when and how you feel. “Looking at the late ’90s and early 2000s, Tom Ford really inspired me.” Thompson told Vogue about the track. “His clothes were very comfortable and I think sex is comfortable and I really wanted to support that nostalgia in this collection.”

From suits to party dresses, staples and logo tops, the collection was a testament to what a fully realized collection can be. Models Precious Lee and Adut Akech lent their talents to Theophilio’s runway this year, as did Bigoa, who sported a red carnival headdress.

See snippets of the collection ahead.