A Star Is Reborn at Copenhagen Fashion Week—Her Name Is Alectra Rothschild
In a pre-show chat, Alectra Rothschild of Masculina promised a “banger” of a cast. She delivered on that and then some. The whole show—which featured a live set by DJ g2g and high-jinks including imaginary cat-fights—was probably history making.
It’s quite likely that Rothschild is the first openly trans woman to show at Copenhagen Fashion Week, which she did through the support of the New Talent program. The designer is also participating in Ganni’s “Future, Talent, Fabrics” exhibition, and the look Rothschild created for that project walked the runway.
Britney Spears Inspiration
Britney Spears, who inspired the video for Rothschild’s previous collection, also had a role in this one, having inspired an ensemble consisting of a black corset, chaps, and artfully distressed jeans. The designer’s reference was specific, the years “2001 to 2004…that era of Britney where she wore very low-rise, slashed denim pants with a really nice boot cut.”
- Specific Britney Spears inspiration
- Swashbuckling look
Rebirth Carry Collection
The shiny white floor covering, swim caps, and scuba references in this fall 2024 lineup, which she called the Rebirth Carry, were references to the watery womb. Rothschild visualized this collection as wrapping up the story of transition as a trans woman.
Masculina’s Designs
Masculina makes skillfully draped zero-waste dresses that adapt to all kinds of bodies. There were thongs aplenty, but in some cases, it was clear that nothing came between the model and their Masculina jeans or miniskirts. The denim looks, including a dyed “fishnet” pair and the upcycled low-waist flares, could stand the light of day; the same could be said of the designer’s “bag boots.”
Community Involvement
A recent graduate of the Royal Danish Academy, Rothschild is still making everything herself, yet this was a community affair with a majority trans cast, some of whom flew in to walk for the show. Rothschild emphasizes the importance of highlighting trans individuals and telling the story of transformation through a trans lens.
It was a show that was writ large, making a statement in the fashion world.