The runway at New York Fashion Week burst into a dazzling display of color, joy, and creativity as Richerette unveiled its highly anticipated “Care Bears™ Loves Richerette” collection.
This vibrant new line celebrated the enduring charm of the Care Bears while marking 20 years since designer Richie Rich first collaborated with the beloved characters under his iconic Heatherette brand. The show, brought to you by Gen Art and produced by La Faye & Powell, served as a tribute to that historic partnership, brought to life once again through Richie’s fresh and imaginative vision with Richerette.
Care Bears™
Held at DOM LOUNGE, a one-of-a-kind venue located at 287 Park Ave S, the event delivered an unforgettable experience where fun, culture, and vibrant nightlife came together. Guests included: rapper Ja Rule, Fern Mallis, designer Max Alexander, Kate Lanphear, and Nick Haramis.
Richie Rich, the legendary Club Kid-turned-designer, once again redefined fashion with his latest collection under the Richerette brand. Known for his groundbreaking work with Heatherette, Richie brought his signature sense of fun and imagination to the runway. “The Care Bears are very real to me, and I was thrilled to see them dancing down the runway in their own unique way,” said Richie Rich. “Twenty years ago, we created magic with Heatherette and Care Bears, and now, with Richerette, I’m excited to reimagine that magic in a whole new way. The Care Bears are like Club Kids—running around the world spreading love and having fun!”
The Care Bears brand, a beacon of goodwill and positivity for decades, served as the perfect inspiration for this nostalgic yet modern collection. Featuring their iconic belly badges, each representing a unique message of love and caring, the beloved characters were reimagined in fun printed tops and dresses constructed from actual plush Care Bears. The collection radiated joy and brought a delightful sense of nostalgia to the runway.
The runway was a feast for the senses, with models dazzling in colorful ensembles paired with footwear from Ground Up’s Care Bears collection, featuring plush sneakers, cozy slippers, and playful slides that perfectly complemented the nostalgic designs. Adding a touch of bold glamour, designer Lidia Talavera provided vibrant, custom-made high heels in both women’s and men’s sizes. The hair team, led by Gary Baker for UNITE, crafted sleek, wet-styled looks for the daytime and playful, colorful wigs for the evening, adding a whimsical element to the show. Romana New York provided the makeup, featuring bold, bright eyeshadows and vivid colors that mirrored the iconic Care Bear rainbow, bringing each model’s look to life. Nails, by Bernadette Thompson, were adorned with custom designs reflecting each bear’s unique personality, adding yet another layer of creative brilliance to the show’s aesthetic.
Following the show, the celebration continued at DOM LOUNGE with an exclusive afterparty featuring DJ Matt J Hall, reminiscent of the legendary Club Kid era. Richie Rich, Co-Creative Director Cicero Oca, and the entire team danced the night away as DJs spun an electric soundtrack. Guests enjoyed an open bar featuring Aupale Vodka, Davos Tequila, and Boxed Water Is Better while immersing themselves in the high-energy, fashion-meets-nightlife atmosphere that Richie Rich is known for.
The event was presented in partnership with Gen Art, an organization that has championed emerging talent and groundbreaking creativity for 30 years. Under the visionary leadership of Artistic Director Marc Harvey, Gen Art has curated extraordinary events that redefine art, fashion, and culture. “Collaborating with Richie Rich and Care Bears for this show perfectly embodies Gen Art’s mission of pushing boundaries and celebrating fearless creativity,” said Harvey. “This event is a testament to the legacy of bold, innovative artistry that Gen Art has fostered for three decades.”
Select pieces from the collection will go on sale February 20th, available online at www.richerette.net, allowing fans to own a piece of this iconic partnership. Additional events and merchandise from the “Care Bears™ Loves Richerette” collection are set to drop in April, with special activations planned for Pride Month in June.
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