Johnson Hartig is one of those designers who can find inspiration in anything, adapting disparate themes to his signature psychedelic aesthetic. His DIY approach to high-end streetwear design reimagines vintage fabrics into eccentric production-ready pieces. His Libertine collections could easily veer into the tacky, but the explosion of color, pattern-play and embellishments usually works to his advantage.
Despite United Parcel Service losing most of his samples right before show time, Hartig still managed to field a collection filled with quirky details.
For women, there was plenty of over-the-top kitsch — neon chains, beaded fringe, bedazzled teeth, patchwork utensils with dangling spaghetti fringe, etc., etc. — the list goes on. His collection of daytime separates screamed youthful, with bright colors and tailored mix-and-match separates. A standout was a fun black dress with beaded varsity numbers that didn’t feel excessive. Though Hartig called it his most “exuberant, joyful” lineup to date, all the embellished looks began to blur after a few exits. The distraction made it difficult to appreciate Hartig’s strong tailoring.
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Men’s looks included a disco-ball tracksuit, animal-print sweatpants and amoeba-patterned sweatshirts. With inspiration ranging from Staffordshire dogs to molecular cell research interpreted in fluorescent colors, the men’s lineup was fun and eccentric but lacked cohesiveness.