NEW YORK (AP) – Chewbacca never had it so good.
The ultra-hairy “Star Wars” character isn’t known for his fashion sensibility, but he was the inspiration for not one but two highly furry ensembles displayed Tuesday by designers indulging their inner “Star Wars” geekdom with new looks – to be auctioned off for charity – as fans hotly await the seventh installment later this month, “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.”
The dozen or so garments in the “Force 4 Fashion” collection – by the likes of Diane von Furstenberg, Rag & Bone and Opening Ceremony – were based mainly on new characters in the latest film, but also a few veterans. Most recognizable were the stormtrooper ensembles created by Ovadia & Sons, which presented a floor-length boxy white coat with black trim, and by Opening Ceremony, which displayed a more tightly tailored look – well, for a stormtrooper – in white microsuede.
As for Chewie, he (or it?) inspired a luscious merino shearling coat by Billy Reid, lined with brown leather and paired with a white turtleneck sweater and gray wool track pants. The creature was also embodied in a furry Todd Snyder ensemble, pairing a brown coat with white top and tan pants.
Some designers went for the glamour. Not surprisingly, Diane von Furstenberg incorporated her signature “wrap” effect into a gold, filmy ensemble for Rey, the new film’s female protagonist, played by Daisy Ridley. Parker presented a glittery Captain Phasma (Gwendoline Christie), inspired by ancient tribal warriors; the same character got a dramatic printed gown from Giles Deacon.