BruceGlen’s Fall/Winter 2023 Runway Show Was A Testament To Family And Faith

Let’s set the scene; ushers dressed in white passed around caramel and peppermint candies. Guest sit in pew-like rows fanning themselves in vibrant-colored pieces that favor Sunday’s best attire. The lights grow dim, and we hear a dedication from the preacher-turned-designer duo. They speak briefly about memories of their childhood and their late mother and how the Fall/Winter 2023 collection is devoted to her. The show opens with gospel singer Naomi Raine followed by a tambourinist in rainbow choir attire to bring spirits high. BruceGlen’s runway show was a story of triumph, creativity, resilience, and faith. 

Twins Bruce and Glen Proctor debuted their first collection with the official New York Fashion Week calendar last year for the Fall/Winter 2022 season. Originally known for their handbags, the brothers were looking to grow the brand, so when they stumbled across an ad for a grant with Resonance, they knew they had to apply. What they thought would be a bit of financial backing for their up-and-coming accessory brand ended up spearheading their first-ever ready-to-wear collection. At a luncheon with Bruce, Glen, and the founders of Resonance, they talked about how the partnership has allowed the brand to scale and put sustainability at the forefront of BruceGlen’s ethos with its made-to-order model.

Entitled “The Sermon,” the Fall 23 collection paid homage to the Proctor twins’ earliest childhood memories in a small Baptist church in South East Washington, D.C. The pieces were inspired by 90s church fashion and black women. The collection’s standout feature was a neo-stained glass window-inspired print, the brand’s signature gradients, and gold metal embellishments. Remaining true to the brand’s DNA, there was a focus on vibrant color-blocked color and bold print mixes that were animalistic and retro-geometric. The line took everyday staples like denim jackets, slip dresses, maxi skirts, and more, making them conversational with gradient colors and unique hardware. This creative twist on the traditional was met with cheers and enthusiasm from the audience, keeping them on the edge of their seats.

The runway show was a spectacle of color and energy, with models sashaying down the runway, but another eye-catching element of the show worth noting was the experimental hair and makeup.

BruceGlen collaborated with @newyorkmakeupacademy and @unite_hair. Vibrantly colored crimped extensions matched punchy rainbowed eyeshadows paired with bold red lips. And similarly to the designer duo sporting hot pink hair, fellow male models rocked boldly dyed cuts. The beauty efforts took the dynamic collection to new heights, as the striking hair and makeup looks perfectly complemented the stained glass window-inspired prints and vibrant color-blocked pieces.

See the vibrant collection ahead.