New York: The ‘Care Bears™ Loves Richerette’ collection debuted at New York Fashion Week, celebrating 20 years of collaboration between designer Richie Rich and the Care Bears, blending nostalgia with contemporary fashion in a vibrant runway show attended by fans and influencers alike.
New York, NY – February 12, 2025 – On February 7, the illustrious New York Fashion Week witnessed a spectacular showcase as Richerette unveiled its vibrant “Care Bears™ Loves Richerette” collection. This event not only celebrated the iconic Care Bears, but also marked the 20th anniversary of a historic collaboration between designer Richie Rich and the beloved brand, which began under his renowned Heatherette line.
The show, hosted at the unique venue DOM LOUNGE, located at 287 Park Ave S, offered attendees an immersive experience that combined creativity, culture, and the essence of New York nightlife. Presented by Gen Art and produced by La Faye & Powell, the event served as a fitting homage to Richie Rich’s enduring relationship with the Care Bears.
Richerette’s creative director, Richie Rich, a notable figure in the fashion world known for his transformation from Club Kid to designer, brought a whimsical and innovative approach to the runway. “The Care Bears are very real to me, and I was thrilled to see them dancing down the runway in their own unique way,” he remarked while speaking to Global Toy News. He went on to express his excitement about reimagining the magic of the earlier collaboration, stating, “Twenty years ago, we created magic with Heatherette and Care Bears, and now, with Richerette, I’m excited to reimagine that magic in a whole new way. The Care Bears are like Club Kids—running around the world spreading love and having fun!”
The collection included clothing adorned with the characters’ iconic belly badges, embodying messages of love and caring, and was crafted from actual plush Care Bears. This nostalgic yet contemporary line resonated with long-time fans, merging joy and creativity in a way that only Richie Rich could envision.
The event was effectively supported by Gen Art, an organisation dedicated to promoting emerging talent and innovation in the arts. Marc Harvey, Artistic Director of Gen Art, commented on the collaboration, indicating that it exemplified their mission to celebrate bold creativity. “Collaborating with Richie Rich and Care Bears for this show perfectly embodies Gen Art’s mission of pushing boundaries and celebrating fearless creativity,” he noted.
The runway showcased an array of colourful ensembles paired with footwear from Ground Up’s Care Bears collection, which included plush sneakers, slippers, and slides that harmonised with the nostalgic theme. Additionally, designer Lidia Talavera contributed vibrant, custom-made high heels for both men and women. The event’s whimsical charm was enhanced by the hair styling team, led by Gary Baker for UNITE, who created sleek, wet styles for daytime looks and playful, colourful wigs for the evening segment. Makeup by Romana New York featured bright eyeshadows and hues that echoed the Care Bear rainbow, bringing each model’s appearance to vivid life. Custom nail designs from Bernadette Thompson showcased individual bear personalities, further enriching the aesthetic experience of the show.
The celebrations continued after the runway display with an exclusive afterparty at DOM LOUNGE, evoking the spirit of the legendary Club Kid era. Richie Rich, Co-Creative Director Cicero Oca, and their team mingled and danced as DJs curated an electrifying atmosphere. Guests enjoyed an open bar featuring a selection of drinks, including Aupale Vodka, Davos Tequila, and Boxed Water Is Better.
Starting February 20th, select pieces from the “Care Bears™ Loves Richerette” collection will be available for purchase online at www.richerette.net, allowing fans to embrace a segment of this unique collaboration. Additional items and events from the collection are slated to debut in April, with special features planned for Pride Month in June.
The “Care Bears™ Loves Richerette” show was a notable highlight of New York Fashion Week, intertwining fashion, enjoyment, and a message of love and positivity. This collaboration highlighted not only the legacy of the Care Bears but also underscored the creative power of partnerships and community within the fashion landscape.
Source: Noah Wire Services
