Fragmented Royalty : AKVNAS
Fragmented Royalty by Christian Juul Nielsen for Akvnas A/W 25 collection.
This afternoon, Danish designer Christian Juul Nielsen unveiled his highly anticipated Fall/Winter 2025 collection for AKNVAS at Location05 Studios, nestled in the heart of Manhattan’s Hudson Yards. Titled Fragmented Royalty, the collection reimagines regal elegance through a lens of rebellion and freedom, drawing inspiration from the lives of Danish princesses Alexandra, Dagmar, and Thyna.
The show was a masterful exploration of reinvention, where traditional symbols of grandeur were deconstructed and reshaped into bold, contemporary designs. Nielsen’s vision transformed the constraints of royal attire into garments that embody movement, exploration, and a sense of liberation.
A Journey into the Unknown
The Fragmented Royalty collection tells the story of a princess stepping into the wild, leaving behind the rigidity of her royal past. Ball gowns, once symbols of duty and formality, were reimagined as playful bubble-hem skirts, cinched at the waist with delicate bows. These voluminous shapes retained their grandeur but were designed for motion—no longer confined to ballroom dances, they now evoke the spirit of running freely through uncharted landscapes.
As the narrative unfolds, the princess adapts to her new environment, wrapping herself in layers of warmth and protection. Faux mink coats, printed with the ghostly markings of a lynx, symbolize her transformation into something elusive and untamed. Earthy, snow-dusted furs further emphasized her connection to the northern wilderness, each piece feeling as though it were gathered along her journey.
Whispers of a Forgotten Dream
A standout section of the collection featured sheer and taffeta gowns that flowed like remnants of a forgotten dream. Delicate ribbons and cascading bows gathered the fabrics in unexpected ways as if hastily fastened before a midnight escape. These ethereal designs captured the essence of movement—light as air, yet structured with quiet strength.
Collaborative Excellence
The runway show also highlighted AKNVAS’s continued partnership with Stuart Weitzman, whose Mary Jane shoes complemented the women’s looks with timeless elegance. For the men’s footwear, Nike provided sleek, modern designs that aligned seamlessly with the collection’s theme of reinvention.
PuffCo provided additional support for the event, further elevating the production’s sophistication.
Star-Studded Front Row
The show attracted a host of notable attendees, including actor Tommy Dorfman, supermodel Coco Rocha, Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star Meredith Marks, entrepreneur Erin Lichy, and dancer Larsen Thompson. Their presence underscored AKNVAS’s growing influence in the fashion world.
Show Credits
Creative Director: Christian Juul Nielsen
Styling: Ketevan Gvaramadze
Make-Up: Tegan Rice x UBATI
Hair: Rutger x UBERLISS
Footwear: Stuart Weitzman and Nike
Water: Voss
Production: Christina Neault
About AKNVAS
Founded in 2019 by Christian Juul Nielsen, AKNVAS has quickly become a favorite among celebrities and fashion enthusiasts alike. Drawing from Nielsen’s experience at Dior and Oscar de la Renta, the brand is known for its luxurious, versatile designs that transition effortlessly from day to night. With a focus on drape, flattering silhouettes, and innovative knits, AKNVAS has garnered a loyal following, including stars like Kylie Jenner, Ariana Grande, and Jennifer Lopez.
The Fall/Winter 2025 collection is available at Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, FWRD.com, Shopbop, Revolve, and the brand’s e-commerce site.
About Stuart Weitzman
Since 1986, Stuart Weitzman has been synonymous with luxury footwear, combining artisanal craftsmanship with precise engineering. The brand’s commitment to empowering women through design has made it a global leader in the industry, with an expanding assortment that includes handbags and men’s footwear.
Christian Juul Nielsen’s Fragmented Royalty collection is a testament to the power of reinvention, blending the opulence of the past with the freedom of the future. It’s a celebration of breaking boundaries and embracing the unknown—a theme that resonates deeply in today’s ever-evolving world of fashion.
Photos Credits : Courstey of AKNVAS