CHROMAT Spring 2014 Collection

For her Spring 2014 Collection, designer Becca McCharen transcended the idea that fashion has to be passive or pretty. Influenced by her architectural studies, McCharen’s designs are sure to make her the designer of choice for extroverts like Nicki Minaj, Madonna or edgy, new recording artist, Grimes. Her aggressive design aesthetic reminds me of the edgy looks from Gaultier’s Fifth Element wardrobe mixed with Herve Leger. There’s the idea of antebellum hoop skirts and corsetry, but without the constrictions that left women fainting and weak.

Models marched down a steel stairway to stand on low platforms that allowed the crowd to study the looks up close. Straps were etched out of bodysuits, criss-crossing the back or abdomen with geometric precision. Cropped tops with sheer mesh sleeves read sexy in a tough and athletic way. The MATHLETES Collection is “inspired by competitive mathematics” and brings to mind the idea of smart and very aggressive girls going out to battle.

One headpiece directly referenced a football helmet, with its square grid surrounding the head, toughening the models gaze. Shoes consisted of  sandals that referenced sneakers, and huge platforms with lug soles.

The makeup, by Frances Hathaway for Mac and @JUMP Management, looked like sentence diagrams, more like facial equations than marks of beauty. The Hair, by Chuck Amos, who used Oribe Haircare and T3, was clean, simple and sleek. Ponytails for long-haired models, and a slickback for short-haired girls. The overall look was tomboyish and no-nonsense, because this girl is too busy to do anything elaborate.

Post and Photos by Faith Bowman
Edited by Glasgow Skinner

Thank you to NY Fashion and Trends Examiner, Faith Bowman, for attending and covering the CHROMAT Spring 2014 Collection this season. Please check out her work here – http://www.examiner.com/fashion-trends-in-new-york/faith-bowman.