Nolcha Fashion Week was created to celebrate new designers and give them a showcase to dazzle the fashion industry. Bloggers, journalists, photographers, and stylist flocked to Pier 59 Studios to check out what these up-and-coming designers had to present.
LEKA
The 7:30 show focused on eveningwear. Designer Leka’s show featured some fantasy elements (wide hoop skirts, lingerie-inspired gowns, Lacroix style poufs), but also included a few wearable hits that would fly off the racks. I particularly loved a red and black colorblocked dress that floated around the body, cascading down from a red halter. It’s a wonderful dress for dancing and flirting. Another standout was a dress that reminded me of the film ‘Black Swan’, with ruffles and feathers combining to create a sweet little confection for anyone with the poise (and the legs) to carry it off.
LUM BY LAMA TAHARE
Lum by Lama Tahare’s Spring 2014 collection reminded me of the 40s, especially the dresses with sheer capes attached at the shoulders. The collection was very old Hollywood. The more I looked at the collection, the more it reminded me of my Barbie doll collection- a young girl’s perception of grown-up clothes. Several of her looks would work great as prom dresses.
MARIANA VALENTINA
Mariana Valentina also looked back to a bygone era, but tweaked her retro gowns with suggestive knotting and draping. The satin fabric flowed with the body, elegantly moving with every step the models took. Her elegant silver t-shirt paired with flowing wide-legged white trousers was an easy win. The entire look had the right amount of casual glamour.
NINA ATHANASIOU
Nina Athanasiou had a lot going on. Menswear, metallics, pattern, silks… It was an interesting show, but a little too eclectic. I couldn’t get a firm handle on her vision, but there were some pieces that stood out. The pistachio blouse paired with gold jeans was a nice statement – very 5th Avenue meets Soho. Athanasiou also showed a great belted, beige dress and gorgeous capelet with various neutral tones, it was a real knockout piece. She also featured longer dresses of super lightweight fabric that seemed to have more shock value than anything. Those pieces are great for photo-shoots and music videos, but not necessarily an everyday wear.
STUDIO 6TH SENSE
Studio 6th Sense had the most cohesive show at Nolcha. His choice of a delft blue and white floral waterprint was perfect and right in every way. It just worked. I most loved his jumpsuit with a deep v-neck which he paired with a perfectly cut, blue-trimmed, peach blazer – the silhouette was stunning and the entire look sizzled. It was resort chic, it was Bianca Jagger at Studio 54, it was everything!
He did offer a few dresses with a bodycon silhouettes, but they loosely grazed the body instead of perfectly conforming to it. However, I could see that working if the dress is tailored to the customer. The drawn outlines on the dress echoes the idea of a corset and garter belt, very sexy but in a humorous way. I also adored the white blouse with perfect bow and billowing sleeves atop a long, flaring skirt. This outfit reminded me of old back and white movies, with clothes by Adrian or Edith Head. The fact that he cut pockets the skirt endeared it to me even more. Definitely a designer to watch and invest in.
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 Nolcha Fashion Week Spring 2014 Collection Shows this season. Please check out her work here – http://www.examiner.com/fashion-trends-in-new-york/faith-bowman.
