At New York Fashion Week, CFDA Vogue Fashion Fund finalist Grace Ling presented her SS25 collection, ‘Neanderthal’, leaving an indelible mark with her innovative fusion of technology and ancient aesthetics. Known for pushing the boundaries of modern couture, Grace Ling delivered a collection that seamlessly balanced formality with sensuality, introducing rugged, 3D-printed elements that added a subversive edge to the graceful silhouettes on the runway.
Stars like Kim Kardashian, Ciara, and Jennifer Lopez have already embraced Ling’s avant-garde designs, a testament to her growing influence in both fashion and pop culture. The Neanderthal collection was no exception, with models like Alex Consani (who opened the show), Ashley Graham, Neelam Gill and Meredith Duxbery showcasing pieces that epitomized Grace Ling’s vision of elegance redefined by technology and art.
Ethereal Meets Primitive: A Fusion of 3D Design and Ancient Symbolism
Grace Ling’s SS25 ‘Neanderthal’ collection, masterfully combined cutting-edge 3D technology with primitive, nature-inspired elements. This fusion reached its peak with two standout looks that encapsulate the collection’s ethos: Alex Consani’s 3D sculptural dress and the captivating finale, Look 34.
Alex Consani’s look opened the show with a breathtaking display of 3D-printed elements, merging art and technology in a way that challenges traditional fashion boundaries. The intricate, metallic design created a futuristic silhouette that felt both otherworldly and grounded in the tactile reality of material innovation in material innovation, setting the tone for the entire collection.
The final look n°34, featured a model in a metallic dress surrounded by birds, evoking a witchy, ethereal energy reminiscent of dark fairytales.
The metallic sheen of the dress and the eerie presence of the birds symbolized the collision of ethereal elegance and primal beauty. This look didn’t just close the show—it left a lasting impression, embodying the Neanderthal collection’s theme of evolution and the convergence of past and future.
Tailoring and Blazers
Grace Ling’s SS25 collection features captivating tailoring that redefines traditional elegance. The collection showcases a series of torn and deconstructed blazers, each adding an edgy, avant-garde twist to classic silhouettes. Among these, the white tailored blazer stands out as a potential bestseller. Ling’s design incorporates transparent elements and a raw, unfinished look, merging sophistication with rebellion.
Ling’s confidence in this piece is clear: “My gut tells me that this is going to be one of the bestsellers,” she remarked, emphasizing her belief in the white-tailored blazer’s commercial and artistic impact. This standout garment exemplifies her innovative approach to fashion, where the juxtaposition of refined tailoring and dramatic deconstruction creates a striking visual contrast.
Nailed It: Primitive Nails by Meechynails
Another captivating detail was the primitive nails designed by Meechynails, which echoed the collection’s blend of raw and futuristic elements. These intricate designs added a unique, tactile dimension to the runway looks, further enhancing the collection’s overall impact.
Illusionistic bags
Grace Ling’s SS25 collection is highlighted by her creative use of bags that play with perception and function. Key pieces include:
Butt Minaudière: This signature piece features a glossy, silver finish that cleverly mimics the contours of a human form. Its versatility was showcased throughout the show, appearing in various styles and colourways, including a striking black version.
- Handaxe Bag: A collaboration with Humane, this bag stands out with its integration of advanced technology. Designed to house the AI-powered Ai Pin, it combines ancient inspiration with modern tech, making it a standout accessory that bridges the gap between the past and the future.
Glam: Timeless Elegance
To complement the futuristic pieces, the models sported classic, timeless makeup courtesy of Laura Mercier. The classic red lip added a touch of glamour and sophistication, providing a contrast to the more avant-garde elements of the collection.
Watch the show’s makeup in action here
Video: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C_rK_UvxE0B/?igsh=NjAxcWp3bmhjMWRz
A New Era in Fashion Soundscapes
No detail was left untouched, including the music. Madeon, the visionary electronic music producer, crafted a bespoke soundscape for the runway, infusing the show with a dynamic rhythm that brought the collection to life. His mix of pulsating beats and ethereal melodies perfectly complemented the duality of Ling’s designs, creating an immersive sensory experience.
Words by
Noa Balou
