In the cultural zeitgeist of fashion design, Marc Bouwer has tremendous influence.
Throughout his career, he’s acted as the brains and hands behind many of our most well-known fashion moments — from coining the term “athletic glamour” to Whitney Houston’s wedding dress and the iconic white dress Angelina Jolie wore to the 2004 Oscars (which has its own Wikipedia page, by the way).
Despite this prolific resume, however, Bouwer’s vision for his designs remains pure-hearted, cemented in the firm belief that fashion should be expressive, should make the wearer feel like their best, most unstoppable selves.
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Earlier this month, Bouwer brought his glamorous couture to an unconventional space, as he showed a selection of pieces from his last four collections on the runway at the 47th Annual Brass Ring Luncheon and Fashion Show.
Hosted by the Children’s Diabetes Foundation, the afternoon was a blend of high fashion and heartfelt generosity, raising critical funds for the Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes. Attendees could support the Center during both the silent and live auctions, with proceeds directly supporting type 1 diabetes research and vital patient resources — including day camps, medical devices, therapy and advocacy efforts.
Among the standout auction items was an Exclusive NYC Fashion Experience donated by the event’s featured designer, Marc Bouwer, which included a private studio visit, a bespoke custom gown credit and an indulgent lunch fit for the couture-obsessed.
Before Bouwer’s latest collection took center stage, a particularly moving moment unfolded as pediatric patients living with type 1 diabetes walked the runway alongside staff members from the Barbara Davis Center for a Heroes Walk. The moment underscored the event’s mission — not just funding medical advancements but also celebrating confidence, resilience and self-expression.
The Heroes Walk was an apt preface to Bouwer’s featured designs. Known for their ability to make wearers feel powerful in their own skin, his collection felt especially relevant in this setting. The moment served as a reminder that clothing has the ability to uplift, empower, and celebrate individuality.
“When you put on clothes, you’re sending out a message,” Bouwer said, describing the motivation behind his designs. “It can change the way you feel about yourself, the day, and the environment.”
As such, Bouwer’s collection was a masterclass in high-voltage glamour, striking the perfect balance between elegance and theatricality. Each shimmering gown was carefully adorned with sequins, gems and intricate embellishments, catching the lights of the venue as the models moved down the runway.
Bold, monochromatic hues — deep sapphires, striking lime greens and electric fuchsias — helped to prove that high fashion doesn’t always need to live in neutral tones. Body-con silhouettes and daring slits gave the collection a sultry edge, emphasizing Bouwer’s signature ability to celebrate the female form.
“I love women and celebrating their bodies—what they love to wear, what they don’t like and how they want to feel,” Bouwer shared. “It’s really a celebration of a woman and her body and her willingness and openness to be sexy and fun and beautiful all at the same time.”
On top of the sparkle and glitz, texture played a starring role, with fur accents, delicate floral appliqués and innovative patterns adding depth to each look. From feathered trims to sculpted silhouettes, every piece had an element of surprise. Bouwer’s designs were not just clothing; they were experiences.
In the hands of Marc Bouwer, clothing is more than just fabric — it’s a conduit for self-expression, a source of confidence and, above all, a reflection of the powerful, electric energy we carry within us.
“Our bodies are full of electricity, and all the electricity that we put out,” said Bouwer. “We are the masters or mistresses of our bodies and we are mostly in control. The body gives the clothes life. You plug it into a socket, and it lights up.”
With a career spanning decades, Bouwer’s passion for aesthetics remains undiminished, extending beyond clothing and into the philosophy of movement, energy and self-expression. Overall, his collection for the Brass Ring Luncheon served as a reminder that fashion is not just about aesthetics. Instead, fashion elevates empowerment, comfort and the freedom to feel extraordinary, no matter what challenges we face.
All photos courtesy of Jensen Sutta Photography.