By: Jasmine Blandford
New York Fashion Week has seen its fair share of jaw-dropping, head-turning, and history-making moments, but few shows this season matched the sheer joy, color, and Y2K-level nostalgia of “Care Bears™ Loves Richerette.”
Held at the ultra-vibey DOM LOUNGE, this runway spectacle brought together the past and present in the most fabulous way possible, celebrating 20 years since Richie Rich first collaborated with the Care Bears under his legendary Heatherette brand. Now, with his latest label, Richerette, the fashion world got a fresh dose of his signature playfulness, proving that the love for the Care Bears and bold, campy couture is very much alive.
“The Care Bears are very real to me, and I was thrilled to see them dancing down the runway in their own unique way,” Richie Rich shared. “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!”
And fun was definitely the theme of the night. The crowd, packed with fashion royalty and pop culture icons Ja Rule, Fern Mallis, and designer Max Alexander, watched in awe as models strutted down the runway in a riot of color, texture, and nostalgia-infused fantasy. The collection featured actual plush Care Bears transformed into wearable art, vibrant printed tops, and dreamlike dresses that felt straight out of a childhood fever dream—but make it fashion.
Of course, no iconic look is complete without the perfect accessories, and the partnerships were next level. Ground Up’s Care Bears-themed sneakers, slippers, and slides were the Y2K-chic footwear, while Lidia Talavera amped up the drama with her custom-designed high heels for both men and women. The beauty direction was equally bold, with Gary Baker for UNITE crafting sleek, wet-styled looks for day and playful, colorful wigs for night. Romana New York went all in on bright eyeshadows and rainbow-hued makeup, while Bernadette Thompson brought each bear’s personality to life through custom nail art.
The show was produced by La Faye & Powell, with each moment—from the runway to the afterparty—capturing a sense of fun, nostalgia, and creative energy.
And if you thought the runway show was the peak of the night’s energy, the afterparty took things to another level. Held at the same location, DJ Matt J Hall spun beats that had the entire room dancing, giving major Club Kid vibes reminiscent of Richie Rich’s Heatherette heyday. Partygoers sipped on curated cocktails featuring Aupale Vodka, Davos Tequila, and Boxed Water Is Better, keeping the night going in true NYFW style.
The show was made possible thanks to Gen Art, a powerhouse in championing emerging talent and creative risk-taking for the past 30 years. Artistic Director Marc Harvey summed up the night perfectly: “Collaborating with Richie Rich and Care Bears for this show perfectly embodies Gen Art’s mission of pushing boundaries and celebrating fearless creativity. This event is a testament to the legacy of bold, innovative artistry that Gen Art has fostered for three decades.”
For those who are dying to get their hands on a piece of this magic, select pieces from the collection drop soon at www.richerette.net. This is just the start—more from the “Care Bears™ Loves Richerette” collection is expected in April and Pride Month in June, continuing the energy beyond the runway.
In a fashion world that can sometimes feel too serious, Richerette and Care Bears brought a lighthearted and fun celebration of nostalgia, creativity, and love. It was a refreshing moment that left a lasting impression.
Published by Elle G.
