It has been a tumultuous time for Filipino-American designer Rhuigi Villaseñor. With his departure from Bally and a lawsuit filed against him by a Rhude stakeholder, the designer has faced significant hurdles. However, backstage at his spring 2024 show, Villaseñor exuded a sense of calm and composure, focusing his energy on the future.

Titled "A Dream Within A Dream," Villaseñor dedicated this collection to his childhood aspirations. Reflecting on the American dream and his personal dreams, he realized that he already possessed what he had longed for all along—his label, Rhude. This realization fueled his determination to build and expand the brand, ensuring that it aligns with his vision.

For Villaseñor, this Rhude collection represents both a reset and a step forward. It marks a moment to recalibrate and ensure that the brand is heading in the right direction. With the aim of becoming a lifestyle brand, Villaseñor introduced footwear, accessories, handbags, swimwear, and, notably, womenswear. While the collection exhibited convincing elements, some found it slightly lacking in uniqueness. The impeccably tailored menswear and resort-inspired women's capsule were undoubtedly appealing, with luxurious fabrics and a color palette featuring strawberry red, navy, cream, and sky blue painting a captivating picture. However, the collection invoked more nostalgia for the American luxury sportswear pantheon, drawing comparisons to Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger.

Villaseñor truly hit his stride when incorporating sporty varsity stripes into tailored trousers and infusing the Rhude essence through nautical-inspired prints, a stylish terry cloth quarter zip for post-pool moments, and an exquisite leather-trimmed caftan. These looks demonstrated direction and showcased Rhude's interpretation of luxury. Surprisingly, the collection featured minimal branding, aside from a discreet "Rhude" outline on a pair of shorts and a surfboard. Explaining this choice, Villaseñor expressed a desire to offer something fresh, moving away from the logo-driven market.

While embracing novelty and reducing reliance on logos can be commendable, maintaining balance is crucial. This expansion served as a worthwhile experiment. As Villaseñor delves into the subtleties of this new chapter for Rhude, he must exercise caution not to polish his aesthetic excessively. Recognizable elements form the foundation of lifestyle brands and contribute to Rhude's initial success. However, Villaseñor's confidence remains unwavering. When asked about recent industry chatter, he referenced Isaiah 57:17, stating, "No weapons or evil formed against me shall prosper."

Amidst the challenges he faces, Rhuigi Villaseñor remains focused on shaping a promising future for Rhude, driven by his vision and determination to overcome obstacles. Below is a look at some of the looks from the show.

‍