Nicholas K. Takes us to the Saharan Desert

Nicholas K, for S/S 2015, took us to the Saharan Desert — chic, layered, head to toe inspired looks. There were plenty of safari and utilitarian influences. And working in quite easily, fluid fabrics that were layered to perfection — head wraps and all.

The design duo for Nicholas K were specifically inspired by Isabelle Eberhardt, a Swiss explorer in the late 1800s. A road trip through Morocco led brother-and-sister design team Christopher and Nicholas Kunz to look up female explorers who had traveled the region. They found Isabelle Eberhardt, the Swiss explorer who dressed as a man so that she could move freely through turn-of-the-century North Africa. With this collection, the traveler, explorer spirit, was definitely a vibe seen throughout the collection.

Also, there was a strong feel for a masculine play on feminine looks.

To translate the ideas of protection and power into clothes for a modern explorer, Nicholas K. stuck with what they know well — wares for the urban warrior. There were leather shawls, scrunched-up cargo pants, harnesses, and knee guards.

In a novel turn, a little black dress was adorned with an armor of Pilot pens.

Casio G-Shock watches were done with camouflage bands, which complemented the lightweight cotton pieces rendered in a similar print.

Lace-up heels, created in partnership with Korean designer Kiyoon Baek, added a sharp sexiness.

And jewelry designer Victoria Simes’ horsehair accessories emphasized the nomadic, almost wild, look.

The color palette was in basic staples of blacks & whites, but also traditional brand colors in darker tones, greys & olive greens. However the pop of light metallic sky blue was refreshing and I could see it as part of the traveler’s story.

The beauty look of “Saharan Desert Eyes” couldn’t be ignored. It was bold, dramatic, and spot-on for this runway presentation. Ditching the traditional cat eyes, the designer went for little on the lid and everything below the bottom lash line — and all things matte.