In 2017, Anthony Hendrickson launched his menswear brand, M65, with a buzzy denim-focused range that sought to revive the coolness of New York’s Y2K club kids (Cardi B and Lil Yachty were wearers and fans). Hendrickson brought the brand back with a display at New York Fashion Week earlier today after a four-year absence. The event was sponsored by AMP, a brand-supporting fundraising platform, and held at their SoHo headquarters. His new, unisex approach emphasizes recycled knits, leathers, and denims. The designer describes his comeback to the fashion industry as feeling like he had a voice once more.“ I saw the noise that everyone else was creating [in fashion], and I felt I had something to say.”
Hendrickson’s spring 2023 collection, America Lost and Found, carries on his distinctive style, which he refers to as “luxurious nonchalance.” He created unique clothing by customizing Goodwill-found items like faded denim and worn-in leather coats. According to the designer, he has always loved upcycling clothing, especially during his time in high school, so he brought that energy back. The effect was that the clothing had a Y2K vibe. For example, a pair of loose light-wash jeans included lace and crystal adornments; a brown slip dress featured a slit that was finished with a delicate lace trim.
Another notable item was the knitwear created by the designer in association with the Scottish artist Julie Colquitt. The combination of a white tank top, pink crushed velvet pants, and a fringed, multicolored cardigan was particularly striking. The knit’s colors—red, blue, and white—were not random. This season’s collection placed a lot of emphasis on investigating Americana elements. Even a cape or rugby jumper decorated with the American flag was worn with jeans. According to the designer, it wasn’t so much a political statement as it was an effort to convey a sense of hope despite “national emotions of upheaval and disarray.”
Additionally, Hendrickson was motivated to honor his Christian beliefs in some of the grungier works. One cropped baby t-shirt has the phrase Jesus clearly printed on it in the Ford logo’s design. Some of the necklaces, created in association with the upscale jewelry brand J’aime, feature the word Holy. The flashy belts also featured a large M buckle—M for Messiah—on them. Hendrickson declares, “I’m totally committed to Jesus Christ, painted nails and everything.
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