Nicholas Raefski released his debut collection this week, presenting his collection via the CFDA Runway 360 platform. 

The collection was released in tandem with a short film titled ‘The Smoking Gun’, a satirical nod on David Fincher’s 1999 classic film ‘Fight Club’. 

Similar to the narrative of the cult classic featuring Brad Pitt and Edward Norton, the short film takes place in a basement as a bunch of souped-up macho guys are beating each other senseless while talking about the failure of society and capitalism. Our two protagonists, wearing the new Nicholas Raefski collection stroll on in, mistaking it for the ‘hottest club in town’. 

Following a few sartorial quips, a faux Tyler Durden type picks out the two for their unique garms, describing them as looking like ‘Mr Rogers’, which to me is nothing but a compliment. As a fight breaks out, our two protagonists look around nervously but then proceed to knock the lights out of the wannabe anarchist. 

The collection, and the accompanying film, focuses on the concept of death being the greatest motivator. In a statement, Nicholas Raefski describes death as “the great equaliser, and the constant reminder of our own demises pushes us to pursue our dreams.”

The six-piece capsule collection includes Raefski’s first original shoe release, which will be available for pre-order so that everyone can get their hands on a pair. 

As an advocate for mental health, the brand has announced that a portion of total sales from this collection will be donated to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). 

The collection is available for purchase now on the Nicholas Raefski website.  

Watch the full film below.

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