Only Raul Lopez, the Creative Director of Luar, could draw fashion enthusiasts to Brooklyn on a Tuesday night for a runway show. The Fall/Winter 2024 collection, titled “Deceptionista,” introduced LUAR BASICS, a forthcoming line of seasonless designs that distill key runway collection details for easy, everyday wear.
Lopez boldly declares the resurgence of metrosexuality in fashion. Embracing ballet flats, manicures, and more, LUAR’s FW24 collection embodies fluidity with nuanced layers of duplicity. For Lopez, metrosexuality goes beyond a mere label or look; it served as a shield for his sexuality during his formative years. As a “Deceptionista,” he mastered the art of deception, shading, and ultimately, transcendence. The concept of metrosexuality is deeply rooted in history, blending seamlessly with LUAR’s signature brand motifs to bridge the gap between old and new worlds. Lopez draws inspiration from Elizabethan-era dandies, referring to them as “strays,” to illustrate the evolving expectations of masculinity and idealized male aesthetics across different eras.
In the 2000s, metrosexuality became a notable trend, challenging traditional notions of masculinity. This cultural shift was exemplified by Black men who embraced grooming, fashion, and self-care practices traditionally associated with femininity. Figures like Usher, Pharrell Williams and Kanye West were influential in popularizing this trend, showcasing a style that emphasized meticulous grooming, fashion-forward clothing choices, and a focus on personal appearance. These individuals redefined masculinity, demonstrating that self-expression and style awareness were not limited by gender norms. Their influence contributed to a broader acceptance of diverse expressions of masculinity within the mainstream culture.
As society embraces a softer, more inclusive view of masculine beauty, Lopez points out the irony of the Deceptionista. It’s no longer just about men deceiving through their appearance; it’s society undoing its own heteronormative programming. As men embrace more diverse expressions of themselves, Lopez challenges the notion that such expressions need to be tamed or restricted.
As guests settled into their seats just before the show began, they caught sight of Solange Knowles slipping into the front row. Moments later, Beyoncé and Mama Tina made their grand entrance, drawing a flurry of flashes from photographers. The trio was there to support Solange’s son, Julez, who was making his debut as a model in the show. It was a heartwarming moment of family pride, with a proud mother, auntie and grandmother cheering him on.
