Richie Rich – NYFW Spring 2018 Ready-To-Wear
Think high-top sneakers and the fashion world have nothing in common? Well, Richie Rich thinks differently. A sports-inspired designer who used to figure skate with the Ice Capades, Richie is all about transforming Converse-style sneakers into dressy club wear. It seems fitting that Richard J. Eichhorn, the man behind the stage name Richie Rich, would remerge alongside fashion’s 90s renaissance. He began his path to the design world as a hobby. Back in the day, he crafted sparkly embellished looks as one of Michael Alig’s famed New York City Club Kids. This flamboyance remains his signature as demonstrated by this new collection, which was big on leather, sequins, fishnet, and corset tops. Classic aughts black made an appearance too, from T-shirts with gold-embellished sayings like Life Is Rich, to jumpsuits and dresses. Almost everything was fancied up with layers of long beads, a treat for both men and women.
If you prefer heels, don’t worry. There were plenty of high heels in this flashy collection. It’s just that the sneakers stole the show, stylishly embracing street style athleisure. For club dresses, Richie Rich brought the maximum style with poufy layers and silver glitz. Yet, despite all the 90s glam and casual style going on, there was almost no denim. It only appeared once, paired up with a garden of silk red flowers blanketing the front of a men’s jacket. When one of the models carried a skateboard down the runway, it became obvious what street culture this actor, singer, and skater had in mind for his Carol Galvin Foundation Gala runway show. Knowing that Richie Rich has been a designer for celebs like Aerosmith, Gwen Stefani, and Pink, it’s no surprise vintage nostalgia is shining a light on his Club Kids aesthetic. One might wonder which millennial star will be sporting his style next year.