Fashion Week Fall 2017: Nicholas K and Desigual

Nicholas K

Traditionally, our favorite start to New York Fashion Week includes wondering what new statement accessory we’ll see at Nicholas K. This year, we braved the snow storm and freezing wind chill, while schools and offices citywide were closed for a snow day, to see what brother/sister duo, Nicholas and Christopher Kunz had in store for fall. As the first model made her entrance to hip hop tunes spun from a live DJ, accompanied by rapper Latasha Alcindor, you instantly feel transported to the 90’s. The mood was strong and fierce, with a clear undertone of the political activity in present day. Their signature urban nomad style is still present with leather headbands, billowy caftans, baggy ottoman pants, and military inspired cuts and colour palette. Styled with berets that reminisce on the Black Panther movement, nose rings, oversized hoop earrings, Nicholas K brings us back to a time that held “the promise of a global humanitarian community, communal diversity and unity” to show that we presently seem to be moving against progress. Politics aside, their collection had numerous gorgeous shearling lined coats, crushed velvets fabrics, cozy knits, and standout metallic booties. Every second was worth the trek through Storm Niko.

     

    

     

     

    

    

All photos courtesy of Nicholas K. 

Desigual 

Quickly after Nicholas K, we rushed to Desigual, which included ducking back outside into Storm Niko and reentering the building (why we couldn’t go through the ropes indoors is beyond me). This season's show titled "Extraordinary" focuses on personal expression, inspired blending iconic looks from the '60s, '70s, and '80s, but through a modern day lens. The collection focused on mixing the looks of 3 subcultures: 1. Ready to Dance - the dance culture of 60's in England and 80's in the US with bowling shirts, sports vests and high waist pants 2. Upper Wave - the punky Spanish New Wave and Californian rock scene with iconic rips, animal prints, plaid, and leather and 3. California team - the attitude of the underground LA scene of women working to break preconceived notions of how they should look, with vivid colors and prints, and romantic florals. Memorable looks included the long dresses with printed florals, the playful fuzzy hats paired with plaid jumpers, and all the brightly patterned tights.  

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

      

All photos from NY Mag.

Fashion Week Spring / Summer 2016: Nicholas K, Rebecca Vallance

Nicholas K 

Always the best way to kick off my fashion week, Nicholas K's layers, hoods, great pants, fabulous long dresses, and standout accessories are their norm. Bonus is the empowering aesthetic that projects a woman's confidence without compromising feminine beauty. For Spring 2016 Nicholas K accomplished this with show-opening whites, a mellow burnished orange, a striking light blue, and basic greys and blacks. The gold cuff that covered almost the entire forearm and was often shown with an accompanying hand piece, felt medieval and futuristic at once. I was struck this season also by the delicate fabrics, sheer layering, and seamless drapery that, together with the cuffs, evoked a naturalistic and earthy strength. 

  

  

  

  

All photos from nyfw.com

Rebecca Vallance

I went right from Nicholas K's layered chic to Rebecca Vallance's sophisticated party girls, and not a bigger juxtaposition could be found. Immediately upon entering the presentation space I thought: perfect party clothes. However, the pantsuits and tailored dresses also make for impeccable day and work gear. Interview standards, luncheon looks, important meeting dresses, and the perfect day-into-evening looks can all be found from this up-and-coming Australian designer. Highlights included a cherry red pantsuit and stunning burgundy leather dresses.

The scene at Rebecca Vallance. Photo from nyfw.com.

  

Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2015: Nicholas K and Jay Godfrey

Nicholas K

Brother and sister design duo Nicholas and Christopher Kunz of Nicholas K, kicked off our Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week line up with a strong collection in their signature layered utilitarian style. This Spring / Summer collection was inspired by Isabelle Eberhardt, an explorer in the late 1800’s, and focused on pieces that were easy to wear and practical for traveling – think loose, movable, and Safari-inspired. Laced heels glamorized the nomadic look, while modern aviators heightened a sense of exploration. The collection was beautifully styled with horse hair accessories, leather harnesses, and plenty of head wraps.

      

      

      

      

All photos from WWD

Jay Godfrey 
Rock-n-roll cowboy mash-up is what Jay Godfrey was going for this fashion week, and mash-up is what he got. Some looks were highly appealing, like the black and white chevron suiting, the green fringe dress, and the fringe cape with silver studded pants, but others were not as convincing (see leopard print tuxedo and see-through lace shawl, below). But what worked well overwhelmed the more jarring looks, and the presentation in hay with live music won me over: mash up some more Americana, please Mr. Godfrey.

      

      

      

All photos above from WWD. Photos below are writer's own.