In the bustling heart of New York City, where creativity and style converge, Netherlands-based designer Carmichael Byfield stamped his signature via the House of Byfield collection at the esteemed New York Fashion Week (NYFW) 2024. Embracing his 25th season (SS25), Byfield’s showcase revolved around the allure and symbolism of flowers, infusing the runway with a kaleidoscope of vibrant prints tailored for both men and women. Based in Rotterdam, with roots in Kingston, Jamaica, and a New York upbringing, Byfield has earned acclaim for his signature disruption of European minimalism through the use of bold colours and print.

The show took place at the Angel Orensanz Foundation in a converted synagogue in Soho. A few minutes into the lights dimming, House of Byfield model Jeremiah Appiah-Asante walked the runway in a black leather jacket paired with bright floral-printed pants. The audience was immediately immersed in the botanical opus orchestrated by House of Byfield. Each ensemble was made of harmonised floral motifs with contrasts of darkness and light, evoking a sense of renewal, romance, and femininity reverberating throughout the collection — a testament to Byfield’s spiritual essence and his moniker as the ‘King of Print’ in the Netherlands. Being different is nothing new for the prestigious Parson’s Design School graduate.

“I’m a black Jamaican in a predominantly white country. I thought, ‘let me use a little bit of my Jamaican flair for colour with my New York style and create something here in the Netherlands’ and I didn’t hesitate,” Byfield reflects on his journey. He started his brand with just €11 in October 2011. He bought some material with black and white print, organised a photo shoot, and had it published in magazines and online blogs. Those pieces became a part of his first collection in the Netherlands. Since then, Byfield has been proudly flying the Jamaican flag across continents through House of Byfield’s runway presentations, even recently adorning celebrity rapper 50 Cent in one of his iconic jackets.

One of the standout pieces of the show was a cream suit with polka dot print sipped in hues of purple and pink worn by Bernio Dap, creative director of the House of Byfield, who also opened the show in a brown leather jacket braced with suspenders and colourful floral pants, reminiscent of colourful Dutch tulip gardens in full bloom yet exuding an air of refined sophistication. The juxtaposition of sharp tailoring with soft florals created a captivating contrast, showcasing the brand’s ability to push the boundaries of traditional fashion norms. Another striking ensemble featured a soft sheer black dress, demonstrating House of Byfield’s mastery of both masculine and feminine elements.

Throughout the collection, a diverse array of floral patterns and textures took centre stage. Each piece told a unique story, celebrating the timeless allure of nature’s most enchanting creations. In addition to its signature print, House of Byfield’s collection also carried a deeper, more symbolic message. As the world grapples with environmental challenges and the need for sustainability, the theme of flowers served as a poignant reminder of the beauty and resilience of the natural world. By incorporating elements of nature into the designs, House of Byfield not only showcased creative prowess but also highlighted the importance of preserving the planet for future generations.

As the final model took his bow and the applause echoed throughout the venue, it was clear that House of Byfield had once again captivated New York Fashion Week with its Jamaican-inspired, New York-approved, Netherlands-grown design. With its Floral Symphony collection, the brand successfully transported its audience to a whimsical realm through an under-applauded Jamaican, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of New York Fashion Week 2024.

Contact: www.instagram.com/houseofbyfield