In downtown New York where it all began, Area celebrated a decade since its launch with a sense of urgency that traces back to their very first show. In signature non-conformist style for FW24, Area’s co-founder and creative director Piotrek Panszczyk presented reimagined uniforms and high-octane pieces with bold structures for a powerful femininity, one that chimes with the label’s commitment to unflinching self-expression. Structured pieces were illustrated by animal prints reminiscent of fingerprints, or made up of thousands of hand-like appliqués – endlessly tactile while questioning the politics of touch. Vibrant, pulsing handprint patterns were confronting, echoing the show’s clarion call: bans off our bodies, a statement that becomes more urgent not only for those who already face obstacles to care, but for the tens of millions of people who face further bans. The show’s sponsor, Tinder, has made a $25,000 donation in Area’s name to Planned Parenthood, who are leading the bans off our bodies campaign.