A study of control and excess, where refinement quietly slips into something undone
The Fall Winter 2012–2013 collection, titled Hit ’n Run, explores the contrast between public image and private reality. Inspired by the Upper East Side of New York, the collection reflects a world that appears composed and controlled on the surface, yet reveals a different energy behind closed doors.
It is a collection built on tension — between restraint and release, between what is shown and what remains hidden.
During the day, the Upper East Side presents itself as structured and polished. Clean lines, muted tones and a sense of control define the streets. But the question driving this collection is what happens after dark, when that structure begins to loosen.
Behind the doors of private apartments and exclusive clubs, the atmosphere shifts. Nights stretch into early mornings, and appearances begin to fracture. The collection imagines this transition — not as a complete transformation, but as a subtle shift within the same identity.
The reference to Jorge Luis Borges — “…the image of the Lord had been replaced by a mirror.” — reflects this idea of self-reflection and duality, where identity is no longer fixed but constantly negotiated.
Material plays a key role in expressing this shift. Leather remains central, but is treated in ways that give it a more raw and textured appearance. Alongside this, silk is introduced with a subtle sheen, creating a ‘wet look’ effect that reflects the atmosphere of rain-soaked streets and long nights.
Jersey and lace are used with a soft gloss, reinforcing the sense of garments that have been worn, moved in and slightly undone. The material choices are not only aesthetic, but functional — allowing flexibility and movement, particularly in pieces designed to carry through an entire night.
The colour palette is predominantly black, creating a restrained base. This is contrasted by denim, which introduces subtle colour variations, often combined with nude tones to maintain balance within the collection.
For women, skirts are extended either to the knee or to full length, elongating the silhouette and reinforcing a certain distance and attitude. Jackets follow the body closely and are defined by detailed elements such as zippers and pockets, adding both function and tension to otherwise clean forms.
Leather leggings with integrated knitted sections provide flexibility, allowing movement without losing structure. These pieces reflect the idea of garments adapting to the body over time, rather than remaining static.
For men, the collection combines traditional tailoring with more relaxed elements. Leather herringbone suits are placed alongside sportswear-inspired trousers, while fitted shirts are executed in leather, subtly shifting their meaning.
A standout piece within the collection is the layered jersey sportswear pant, designed for what could be described as ‘the morning after’. Comfortable, functional and slightly dishevelled, it captures the moment where the night transitions back into day.
The collection was presented on the runway during the Amsterdam Fashion Week, as a narrative of return. Models appeared as if coming home after a long night out — walking through rain, with hair undone and make-up faded.
Despite this apparent disarray, the silhouettes remained strong and deliberate. Oversized sunglasses completed the look, acting as both a shield and a statement — a final attempt to maintain control over how one is seen.
Hit ’n Run explores a different layer within JANBOELO. Where earlier work focused on expression and presence, this collection introduces a quieter tension — one that sits beneath the surface rather than announcing itself.
“Not everything shifts at once:
sometimes it’s just the details that give it away.”
