The Art Institute of New York City Spring '13 Collection

Nancy recaps The Art Institute of New York City Student Show at  Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. 
[Editor note: In a previous version of this post, one of the leather ensembles was wrongly attributed to Kayla Braunston. This post has been amended to properly credit the look as one of Nelson Tavarez designs, which won Best Look of the collection.]

At The Art Institute of New York City student show "Between the Lines," 12 very different designers presented their spring '13 collections. I love the enthusiasm and energy of young new designers at student shows. Fresh to the field, they have the ability to create some truly magical pieces, and also some disasters. 

Gita Omri opened the show with a striking collection accessorized with helmets and leather gloves. Omri used to serve in the Israeli Air force and that experience noticeably influenced the style of her line. The colors were vibrant with the bright orange popping out against charcoal and light grey.

      

Danni Xi presented a very contemporary and sculpted collection. The clothes skewed avant-garde and she is clearly inspired by museum architecture, as seen in  her interpretation of the Guggenheim (below, left).

      

I could not take my eyes off Kayla Braunston's pieces when they came down the runway. Here is a line that demands attention. I would expect nothing less from a latex specialist who loves costume design and has a flair for the dramatic. Though controversial, goth and heavily sexual, this was a highly entertaining presentation. 

      

One of the tamer pieces of the Art Institute collection was the full leather ensemble shown below, designed by Nelson Tavarez. It is fitted to perfection and the pop of electric blue made for stunning contrast. 

Edited to add: Winner of Best Look of the winning collection of the show. Congrats to Mr. Tavarez!

Then the linen cowl neck shirts changed up the goth vibe of the student show and brought us back to spring. They look great with voluminous mini skirts and created a more bohemian vibe. 

      

Switch gears to Luisina Victoria's retro pieces, a part of her "Candy Land" Collection. The bright youthful colors were reminiscent of the 1960's. Who needs accessories when you have beaded Nerds Rope Candy and sprinkles around your neck and waist?

      

My new spring obsession will be anything in this pink blush nude tone from Isaiah Isaac. It's soft and feminine and was perfectly paired with grey tones. 

      

Just when I thought I'd tasted a bit of everything, Joshuan Aponte's "A Mort Dore" made my jaw drop. He described his collection as "the love child of Alexander McQueen and Carolina Herrera." I see the McQueen essence but Carolina Herrera not so much. These gowns are beautifully made and push the boundaries of shape and construction. I could easily picture Lady Gaga in one of these designs. 

      

All photos from mbfashionweek.com and zimbio.com