Bella Pietro | New York Fashion Week AW25
Words by Lauren Bulla, Photographs by Jasmine Mckell
Bella Pietro is making waves in the fashion industry, at only twenty-four years old, she is already recognised for her stand out design and storytelling. The designer’s undeniably bold attitude can be seen imbued throughout her garments. Showcasing her latest offerings amidst New York Fashion Week entitled, Diaghilev - the designer presents us a dark, mystical fairytale - a collection inspired by the creator of The Ballet Russe.
The collection had an undeniable fixation on play as it overlapped into scantily-clad glamour - each of the garments adorned in thousands of beads and rhinestones. The styling had a good-fairies-gone-bad mood to it, as if guests walked into the underground scene of a mythical realm, where vapes and pasties existed amongst toadstools and mossy florals. The runway itself was bouncy and jovial, allowing the distinct personalities of the models to shine amongst the effervescent gowns, which were ornamented with sequins, intricate chain detail, and theatrical headpieces.
Makeup was doll like, akin to what one would assume resulted from childhood memories of getting into your mother’s personal collection of Mac and Urban Decay. Though arguably much more curated and intentionally placed, the cosmetics expertly painted each of the models’ faces. Lace, tulle, satin, and fringe were all on display as the runway proceeded. The sheer variety of materials could’ve created conflict in terms of curation, but in Pietro’s case - the garments - each individually distinct, fit into place seamlessly within the offerings this season.
Bella Pietro Diaghilev
Ending on a dramatic note, social media personality - Kitty Lever eclipsed the show in a grandiose display. Metal framed wings which emulated that of a dragonfly complemented an all white structured gown, whilst a royal-adjacent headpiece could be seen atop her pulled back blonde updo. Two models rushed her on stage as she accepted a floral arrangement after bounding down the runway. Floundering her “moment” - the audience watched as they dragged her off stage, screaming into the chandelier-lit venue. Suddenly, the lights came up and Bella Pietro’s fairytale had concluded, though onlookers were anything but satiated. This season’s offerings left an undeniable mark on the industry, creating avenues for whimsy and narrative to redefine NYFW, leaving guests and buyers wanting more.
