“WE CARE BUT WE DON’T”

Amsterdam-based B.L.A.H. has embraced contradictions from its earliest days – starting with the definitive, founding line: ‘we care, but we don’t’. For spring/summer 2023, the independent shoe brand is channeling that same ‘contrary but cool’ attitude into a collection that ignores standard ideas of safe, complementary style… focusing on the contrast between ‘bright’ and ‘muted’ to glorious, rebellious effect. Numéro presents an exclusive editorial in collaboration with the brand.

Putting together shiny, molten metallics with understated primary colours, the new season sneakers prove that opposites attract across a range of true B.L.A.H. heroines. The best-selling Cassandra, complete with a unique outsole, heads up the pack, joined by the Luisa Extreme, the Nana and the Jenn Low. Meanwhile, B.L.A.H.’s longest-running style, Gisele, continues to go the distance – refreshed with a revamped colourway. As a contrast to the bold colours, some of the shoes have been hand-treated and brushed to give them a lived-in, vintage look.

Shirt 1/OFF PARIS
Top 1/OFF PARIS

“With this collection, you DEFINITELY don’t have to pick a side,” says Maria Lemos, creative director at B.L.A.H. “Are you a magpie for metallics, attracted to everything that’s shiny and bright? Or are you more understated and laid back? Maybe you’re a bit of both. The good news is that with B.L.A.H.’s Spring/Summer 2023 line, you don’t need to choose… you can lean into the contradiction instead. Because matchy-matchy is just a bit meh.’

Shirt and Skirt 1/OFF PARIS
Blazer 1/OFF PARIS

While contradictions can be confusing, B.L.A.H.’s message remains simple and clear. The brand cares about using mostly sustainable materials – which is why the new collection continues to feature environmentally friendly materials like leather from the Leather Working Group, mesh, and rubber patches – but they still don’t care about conforming to. stereotypes by creating cute, but obvious combinations.

TEAM CREDITS
Photography KIRSTEN BUSMAN @kirstenbusman_
Styling ANANO SHALAMBERIDZE @underdressedkid
Makeup and Hair ANH NGUYAEN @anhnguyaen
Models KUDRA and SAANA @TheMovementModels @kudra_ss @saanamirzaie
Styling Assistance MARIA MOTA @maria_smota REBECCA KAPENGA @rebeccagk