Elena Velez returned to New York Fashion Week, for its 10th consecutive NYFW showcase.
Titled SMITE, the Spring Summer 2027 collection continues the brand’s practice of confronting the events, figures and sensations that shape contemporary consciousness. Backstage photographer Saemi captures the collection up close, revealing a world where confrontation, ritual and survival are embedded into the clothes.
YR009 offers a creative inversion of the aggressor, examining brutality carried out under the guise of divine or righteous authority. SMITE questions the blurred boundaries between victim and perpetrator, challenging fixed ideas of good and evil while revisiting the histories of militant tribalism and secular holy warfare. Positioned between East and West, ancient and modern, the collection reflects on humanity’s persistent relationship with interpersonal violence. Men’s workwear is sharpened with tactical hardware, while womenswear introduces unexpected utilitarian elements. Moving away from the wet-look surfaces associated with Elena Velez, the collection instead relies on proprietary crackled screenprint treatments, giving the garments an aged, weathered quality that reinforces its dusty, ancient atmosphere. The collection was developed with creative consulting from actress and performance artist Sheila Vand, known for A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night. Footwear was sponsored by Cat Footwear, bringing the brand’s rugged and utilitarian character into the collection.
Elena Velez SS27 “SMITE” at NYFW Backstage photography by Saemi
Credits
Sponsors: CAT Footwear, Thoughtful Lab, Conwell Hall, VFILES; Styling: Erik Ziemba, Paradis Agency; Studio Assistants: Alaysia Danae @alaysiadanaee , Ali Castillo @alii.castillo , Klova Kawaja @xklova, Krusain Blokhin @krusain Paige Nelson @paiiigenelson; Key Makeup Artist: Yui Oiwa, sponsored by Burn Beauty; Hair: Marcello Costa; Casting: Emily Kiper; Footwear: CAT Footwear; Silver Chainmail: Frances O; Jewelry Provisions: Vesper Obscura; Venue: Conwell Hall @conwellcoffeehall @theconwellcocktailhall; Sound Design & Arrangement: August Aghast, ft. vocals by Pariah The Doll; Lighting & Audio: Nick Puglia
