words by MARIA BELEN ARCHETTO

For Cucculelli Shaheen’s Collection Seventeen (Fall/Winter 2024), co-founders and creative directors Anna Rose Shaheen and Anthony Cucculelli, unveiled their vision connected to the roots of the brand established in New York City in 2016 and the enthralling mural of the New York Supreme Court, which is ultimately where the show took place during the second day of the official New York Fashion Week schedule.

“We scouted the space almost a year ago. We were really inspired by the astrology mosaic floor at the courthouse as our brand ethos has embraced both the constellation and the galaxy from the very beginning. So we thought this was a good place to start, almost like a full circle going back to our first collection with the galaxy theme. We even had our model from our first collection on the runway,” said Anna in an interview with Numéro Netherlands after the show.  

There are many reasons why the chosen title for the collection is “Veritas” (named after the goddess of truth in Roman mythology). First, it is a permanent reminder that Anthony has tattooed on his arm, and second… “What better place to hold a fashion show called “Veritas” than at the New York Supreme Court?”, says Anna. 

Cucculelli Shaheen’s creations for Fall/Winter 2024 revolve around lush embroidery and the subversive edge that has always been a part of his core aesthetic. Inspired by the soundtrack of The Night Beats and Daniel Lee Blackwell’s performances while designing the collection, the duo delves into oversized shapes that shows a precisely storytelling between power and romanticism, all in a color palette that goes from deep navy, silver, and icy shades of blue to pearl, powder, champagne, pink, gold, green, and black, and fabrics such as wool and silk tuxedo tailoring, stiff tulle, silk moiré, silk georgette, and silk cady. 

The amalgamation of opposites, chaos and classicism, vice and virtue, a feverish and dreamy city, is a composite of all Cucculelli Shaheen’s proposal. Models walked down the runway showcasing 

a statement strapless bustier dress with sharp angles styled with a soft petticoat skirt, tulle petticoats, bustiers, clean jackets, coats and long-dresses with carefully crafted details. Overall, pieces that embodied a sense of exploration and a very compelling story. 

In addition, since last February, the brand has expanded their collection by conceiving more separate pieces. “Showing during New York Fashion Week has allowed us to think outside the box and embrace new categories, such as suiting and separates, and to immerse our audience more completely into our world”.  

SHOW CREDITS:
styling CUCCULELLI SHAHEEN
production MUZAM PRODUCTIONS
music BRIDGETTE CROWELL
casting MUZAM PRODUCTIONS
make up MOANI LEE FOR KJAER WEIS
hair CLAY NIELSEN FOR AVEDA
nails PATTIE YANKEE
jewelry MARGERY HIRSCHEY X GEMFIELDS
footwear BLACK SUEDE STUDIO
water TOPO CHICO
tights FALKE