Julez Smith is continuing to make inroads within the fashion industry. After hitting up On Running’s US Open event last month, Beyonce’s nephew, walked in the latest fashion show for Off-White. The star was joined by Madonna’s son David Banda, and the pair both modeled for the brand’s spring 2025 collection, shown in New York City wearing sleeveless graphic tops and thong sandal shoes.
Smith’s look was a modular sleeveless hoodie. It featured a graphic on the front as well as zips throughout to wear it open, or to detach various panels. The top was styled with trousers featuring a similar graphic print, likely inspired by African hand-painting.
For shoes, Smith wore a pair of embellished red and black sandals. The shoes incorporate a thong front, securing them between the big toe and the rest of the foot. The strap across the top features black raised embellishments.
Banda wore a similarly sleeveless top. His was a button down featuring a collar as well as a yellow and orange plaid print. Similar to Smith’s, it featured zips throughout to open up various panels. Matched with black trousers, the look was finished with a pair of black-on-black flip flops.
The collection is Ib Kamara’s latest for Off-White, where he is creative director. He took up the role after the death of the brand’s founder Virgil Abloh. Abloh had largely made his name in the footwear business, though he was known for his sneakers, specifically.
Thong-style flip flops have long been thought of as low cost, easy shoes. They, alongside slides, are often worn in beaches or warmer climates. But a variety of brands like The Row, Balenciaga, Prada and Bruno Cucinelli also sell luxury versions.
Off White’s thong sandals may be inspired by style habits in Accra. Kamara lived in Ghana for three weeks while working on the collection, being inspired by things he saw at the market in Accra.
