Bode’s Spring 2025 collection premiered at the New Orleans inaugural GQ Bowl.
This event marked a significant departure from traditional fashion week venues, instead embracing the vibrant culture of New Orleans during one of sports’ most prominent weekends.
The show was a masterful blend of nostalgia and modernity, drawing inspiration from mid-century homecoming parades and Mardi Gras traditions.
Bode Aujla‘s designs have long been celebrated for their ability to reimagine historical attire with a contemporary twist. For this collection, she delved into parade culture and festive traditions that are quintessentially American. The runway featured an array of garments that embodied this theme beautifully, including tropical wool bandleader coats adorned with vintage bouillon flowers and waffle cotton rowing blazers that captured the essence of classic Americana.
One of the standout elements of the show was its inclusion of NFL stars Ja’Marr Chase and CeeDee Lamb making their runway debuts alongside other notable athletes like Alvin Kamara and Kayvon Thibodeaux. This integration highlighted Bode’s strong connection with athletes, reflecting how sports figures play a pivotal role in embodying the brand’s aesthetic.
The event took place at Hotel Peter & Paul in New Orleans’ Marigny neighborhood, where Bode Aujla transformed a historic cathedral into an immersive catwalk experience. Backstage moments captured by photographer Bowen Fernie using Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra revealed models adorned with custom green sashes or vibrant green Nike Astro Grabber sneakers before they stepped onto the stage.
The All-American ensembles showcased during the event seamlessly blended high-end fashion with sporty aesthetics. Notable figures from both fashion (such as Lucky Blue Smith) and sports walked alongside each other on stage against an electric backdrop provided by Leon Bridges’ opening performance.
Bode Rec., which focuses on athletic wear including collaborations like those with Nike, was perfectly suited to feature on these athletes. The collection included practice jerseys, robust sweatsuits adorned with vintage-inspired detailing—elements that made them appear surprisingly fresh despite their nostalgic roots.
