Caroline Zimbalist collaborated with Elena Velez following a chance reconnection at the Bond Hardware Open Studio, where both artists were exhibiting work. Long aware of Velez’s practice since their overlapping years at Parsons, Zimbalist’s sculptural biomaterial pieces—shown in a more raw, experimental direction than her typical work—sparked a conversation that led to collaboration on Velez’s YR002 NYFW presentation.

Inspired by medical imagery and the female body as a battleground, the collection paired medieval armor–like silhouettes with surreal material interventions. Working closely with Velez and stylist Joe Van Overbeek, Zimbalist adapted her biomaterial formulas to be painted directly onto garments and used to encase metal jewelry, creating frost-like, icicle formations that amplified the collection’s stark, confrontational mood.

The collaboration pushed Zimbalist’s biomaterial practice toward a more restrained palette, emphasizing structure, texture, and material cohesion. The process was defined by experimentation and fluid decision-making, resulting in both technical growth and enduring creative relationships.