RHUDE‘s Rhuigi Villaseñor showcased his Spring 2025 collection at the picturesque Villa d’Este, overlooking Lake Como. The exclusive location, a far cry from the traditional Paris Fashion Week menswear calendar, marked a new frontier for the brand. Villaseñor’s vision for RHUDE’s next chapter is clear: to present lifestyle, not just clothing. This mantra was evident throughout the collection, which expertly blended high-end fashion with laid-back sportswear.
The show opened with logo-embossed denim and long-sleeve tees, nodding to Villaseñor’s LA roots. However, it was the cleverly tweaked tailoring that stole the spotlight, with four-button double-breasted jackets showcasing a postmodern Armani-esque flair. The collection’s highlights included Como basketball vests, moto jackets in leather and bouclé, and a cheeky Virginia-facing tee design. Leopard print pieces, such as horsehair shoes and cotton drill shorts, added a touch of sophistication.
Villaseñor’s intuitive feel for disassembling and revitalizing Americana tropes was evident throughout the collection. He expertly mixed canonical garments with harmonic discordancy, playing preppiness against post-streetwear codes. The result was a cohesive, stylish lineup that looked undeniably good.
Rubbery sandals, typically reserved for beach vacations, made an appearance on the runway, symbolizing youthful coolness and Americans’ penchant for laid-back sportswear. Ivy League preppy tropes, distressed denim, and logoed merchandise all contributed to a thrift shop aesthetic, syncing up with Villaseñor’s vision of cool kids with great taste.
“I think there is this sort of dream that is still alive. Kids are still dreaming of this, what used to be called the American dream, but just like luxury sort of thing, but it is in a punk sort of approach,” Villaseñor explained during a preview.
The collection, titled “Still Water Runs Deep,” marked a strategic move for RHUDE, showing off-schedule after a rocky 2023. Villaseñor’s focus on building a stronger, more resilient brand for the next decade is clear. As he expands his footprint in Europe, the tie-in with the Como 1907 soccer team resulted in a surprising basketball kit emblazoned with the “Lago di Como” moniker.
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