Maximilian Raynor Switches it Up in His New Collection

Less than 24 hours after dressing 10 guests including GUAP co-founder Ibrahim Kamara and stylist Nanaesi for the 2023 GUAP Gala, Maximilian Raynor presented his pre-show runway. To describe this pre-collection as highly anticipated would be an understatement, as the audience was buzzing with excitement. 

The mood of the show was set before a single look was presented, with a 70s rock instrumental making it clear that we were about to experience something different than Raynor’s previous collections. Previously, Raynor made a name for himself with his billowy designs fashioned from wired fencing tape sewn together to make a fabric that from first glance looks like pleats. Representing both sides of femininity: strong and soft; this fabric is a key signature of Raynor’s design aesthetic.

So, when the first design came down the runway and it was a tailored, vanilla-toned, two-piece, menswear look paired with a patent hat and boots and a bronze beaded tie, the audience was shocked and intrigued. By the third look with a similar aesthetic of two tailored pieces tailored, this time in an enlarged leopard print, it was clear that this was a collection to have fun in. Of course we all love a larger than life, billowed, conversation-starting ball gown. But this collection had the same larger than life spirit with the practicality of being able to fit in an uber.

There were nods to the fencing wire fabrication that put his name on the map in headpieces and a full sheer black look that wouldn’t look amiss at any fashion party. He’s promised that he isn’t fully moving away or “speaking down on the ribbon textiles as it’ll always be apart of the brand…but I really wanted to push for something new…the kind of things I would wear to the club”.  This pre-collection was a taster of what’s to come in Raynor’s future, a ready-to-wear interpretation of his brand aesthetic; something commonplace for all major fashion houses. For the fans of his more fantastical designs, that’s what we can expect in February with his Masters graduate collection.

Moving from purely conceptual clothing that leans heavily into the wearable art side of fashion and making clothing that buyers can see selling and therefore keeps your brand away from bankruptcy; is a careful balance that student designers often struggle to get right. Too commercial and you lose your artistic representation, too conceptual and you’ll struggle financially. Raynor has proven that he can get this balance just right. Clothes that excite you, share his unique point of view and can easily fit into your wardrobe.

I’m ready and waiting to get my hands on this pre-collection and can’t wait to see what he does next!