Vaquera’s SS25 Collection: Subversive Basics Redefine Everyday Wear for a New Generation

Vaquera’s Collection of Basics is Anything But

Vaquera, the innovative fashion brand founded by Patric DiCaprio and Bryn Taubensee, recently celebrated its tenth anniversary in a distinctive and unconventional manner by launching a collection of wearable basics. Known for its audacious approach to fashion, Vaquera has consistently pushed back against conventional industry norms. The founders designed the brand as a reaction to the fashion system they sought to engage with, viewing it as a canvas for subversion. Their recent collection for Spring/Summer 2025, showcased at the beginning of Paris Fashion Week, marks a significant evolution in their design philosophy, signaling a shift towards accessibility and everyday wear without losing the brand's unique identity.

The show notes for the collection highlight this shift, stating, “With an established DNA and lens, the focus has shifted to wearability and the idea of ‘New Basics.’” This notion of "new basics" reflects Vaquera’s commitment to creating garments that blend their avant-garde aesthetic with practical, everyday wearability. The collection features pieces that retain the brand’s edgy spirit while being suitable for a more casual, day-to-day context. Instead of falling into the trends of "quiet luxury" that have pervaded recent fashion, the new collection exudes a vibrant, individualistic flair.

As models took to the runway, the looks ranged from striped shirts with popped collars and vests adorned with built-in bustiers to distressed leather trousers that embodied a rugged elegance. One of the standout silhouettes was a slip skirt layered over a t-shirt and trousers, a hallmark of Vaquera's eclectic style. This layering not only reflects the brand's playful approach to fashion but also enhances the wearability of the pieces, allowing for versatile styling options that cater to a variety of occasions.

In a notable departure from previous collections, Vaquera introduced sunglasses for the first time, featuring a vintage-inspired design with thick arms that encapsulate the brand’s youthful energy. This foray into eyewear complements the overarching theme of the collection—merging the brand’s distinctive edge with everyday essentials. Additionally, Vaquera ventured into footwear, another new territory for the brand. Drawing inspiration from their name, which means "cowgirl" in Spanish, the brand presented its inaugural shoe collection. The offerings included knee-high cowboy boots and stylish pumps that capture the spirit of Western fashion while remaining grounded in modern sensibilities.

Among the more eye-catching pieces was a collaboration with Onitsuka Tiger, which reinterpreted the classic Mexico 66 sneakers. These shoes were transformed into shiny silver versions featuring the words “Love” and “Rage” stitched on the tongue, further emphasizing Vaquera's theme of balancing contrasting emotions and styles. The shoes serve as a testament to the brand's ability to infuse its narrative into even the most basic of items, showcasing a vibrant dialogue between classic silhouettes and contemporary design.

Vaquera’s SS25 collection represents a bold new direction for the brand, encapsulating ten years of subversion while embracing wearability. By redefining what "basics" can mean within their context, DiCaprio and Taubensee challenge the notion that everyday clothing must be mundane or lack personality. Instead, they have crafted a collection that invites individuals to express themselves through versatile, everyday garments that are anything but basic. This collection not only marks a significant milestone in Vaquera's journey but also sets a promising precedent for the future of the brand, emphasizing that fashion can be both radical and approachable.