New York City: Fashion week just wrapped up at the tents at Lincoln Center. With diverse trends like art deco, military, luxe and 20’s glamour dominating the runways, the most notable was the surprise injection of vibrant colors amidst a sea of dark ink. South Asian designers (our list grows each year) showed strong and sophisticated collections. Here is a rundown of the looks we liked best.
Naeem Khan
It was all art-deco luxury and the Ottoman Empire at Naeem Khan for F/W 2013. With opulent velvets embellished with antique golden embroideries paired with a voluminous yet feminine silhouette, to 1920’s inspired short/cap sleeves and caftans, to flowing red-carpet ready gowns, the collection garnered the designer a standing ovation. The color palette was alive with vibrant red, azure, black, nude and of course, plenty of silver and gold.
Front Row: Matt Damon and his wife, Luciana Barroso, Brooke Shields, Rachel Roy, Taraji P. Henson, Vanessa Hudgens, Shay Mitchell.
Bibhu Mohapatra
Silk, net, feathers and fur dominated Bibhu Mohapatra’s F/W 2013 collection. Citing Man Ray as an inspiration, the art deco collection also hinted at Bauhaus and Dadaism in its use of color and structure. The beauty of the collection was the seamless melding of contrasting textures that added personality to each piece while keeping the focus on the silhouette. The palette featured black, ivory, yellow, purple and hints of gold.
Front Row: Actresses Nichole Galicia and Dawn Olivieri, socialite Olivia Chantecaille and Loius Row.
Falguni and Shane Peacock
That bondage is a favorite for this designer duo is an understatement when it came to the F/W 2013. Inspired by Art Deco artist Erte, gorgeous beaded gowns were further embellished with metal plates while lace dresses were collared and belted with edgy leather bands. Shoulders were a focus and the highlight was a feathered sleeve knee length jacket. Prevalent themes were “wild child” tattoos, black widow spider patterns and bondage combined with a chic and glamorous air. Lady Gaga would be proud. We are big fans. The palette was dark with sky blue, ivory, maroon and deep purple.
Front row: Hofit Golan, Liliana Matthaeus, Mohammed Al Turki, Rico Love, Sally Golan, Robin V
Prabal Gurung
With his recent diffusion line selling out a Target, the Prabal Gurung label has found mass-market appeal. His F/W 13 ready-to-wear show, however, was a detailed collection of military-inspired silk, fur and brocade looks. With legs front and center, looks consisted of short dresses, thigh-length slits and slim pants. Colors were a luxurious khaki in silk, vibrant reds, ivories and dark navy accented with tough leather harnesses and belts. The collection was young with a badass attitude. Now that woman are allowed in combat, we think they should be rewarded with this collection which can be described in one word: Empowerment.
Front row: Eve, Lee Tipton, Olivia Thirlby, Electra Widemann
Sachin + Babi
Showing at the Dream Hotel, designers Sachin + Babi showed a collection of sporty dresses, one sexy sequined sweatsuit, luxurious beaded gowns, laser cut leather and edgy fur. The surprise use of neoprene inspired by their summer scuba-diving trip, a fabric used in scuba wear, was molded for jackets and skirts with heightened attention to detail. Inspired by the Northern Lights, yes Aurora Borealis, the palette was dark, shimmery with flashes of bright orange, green, white and blue.
Front row: Editors Fern Mallis and Zanna Roberts Rassi
