Combating Masculinity in Deceptionista: Raúl Lopez Fall 2024 Runway Show

Raul Lopez has done it again with his latest Luar collection of Fall 2024. The latest collection, “Deceptionista”, explores the outdated term “Metrosexual,” and Lopez’s relationship with it as a gay man. The collection engages in discourse with combating the heteronormative idea of masculinity. 

The term “metrosexual” was devised in 1994 and it was used to describe a heterosexual male who chose to enhance his appearance by engaging in grooming practices, and beauty treatments, and had a good fashion sense. Although the term was created to describe men at the time, conversations are being had on whether women can also be described with this term. Lopez aims to reveal how the word’s meaning has changed over the years, both to society and to himself. 

The collection has an interesting approach to a discussion regarding consistent gender-fluid ethos. If you have seen any of the clothing from Luar, you would see that the looks in the collection do not mix gendered qualities in a predictable way. Instead, they each have a sense of striking and interchangeable quality, regardless of the model’s gender.

“Metrosexuality is not just a label or a look — it was a trapdoor to acceptance, a way for [Lopez] to hide his sexuality while growing up,” show notes read. “Assuming the role of a ‘Deceptionista,’ he was able to deceive, shade, and ultimately transcend. As society embraces a softer masculine aesthetic again, Lopez points out the irony of the Decepionista.” 

The exaggerated shoulder, fur mitts, and over-the-top nails drew my attention upon first researching Lopez. The collection also features looks in collaboration with the Canadian brand, Moose Knuckles. These pieces include an Ana bag, a parka with a detachable Mongolian sheepskin shawl, and more. Materials such as leather, denim, and metal accents are visible in much of the collection. Zebra devoré prints and leather tailoring are present in large quantities throughout the collection as well.

Granted, the Fall 2024 show’s biggest headline was its front-row guests. Beyoncé, as well as a few others, came in support of Daniel “Julez” Smith Jr., who made his debut on the runway (Look 3) at this industrial warehouse.

“These are men comfortable enough to greet you with two kisses and talk in a way that hypnotizes you into believing they aren’t who they really are. But in reality, it is with us where the deception is,”, says Lopez.

Speaking of looks from the show, let’s delve further into that. Although it was quite hard to pick my favorite features of the collection in Deceptionista, I’ll mention a few that stuck out to me personally. From the gold accent nails, and gold timepieces that wrap around the models’ upper chest, to the fur trim, there is much to appreciate about this collection. During the night of the runway show, Lopez christened the “Luarsexual,” and welcomed one of its biggest celebrities to view the significant Deceptionista collection.

Words by Jade Pettyjohn

Graphic by Gauthier Bossuyt