Art director | Fashion Nexus

“If I were a chair, I would be a desk. If I were an animal, I would be a cat. If I were a box, it would be open. If I were a place, it would be in the shadow. The ret are textures and degraded colors.” (Rafafans, Spanish Graphic artist and Art Director for Carlos Campos) Carlos Campos presented his artistic Fall 2015 collection for NYMD, held at Industria Superstudio and presented by Cadillac.

The collection was inspired by Rafafans. In his chosen mediums of collage and photomontage, Rafafans creates dreamlike images with a subtle sense of playfulness and humor, informed by his deep understanding of textural and color interplay. Campos says he discovered Rafafans’ work while walking the streets of Lima. He was fascinated by his use of patterns and collage to create new texture over existing images. Campos said “Although the essence of the image was recognizable, what was done to it rendered it completely new and almost surreal.”

So the Rafafans created a series of work based on Campos’ Fall 2014 collection. He was then inspired to emulate Rafafan’s techniques for this new collection, overlaying collage-like graphic treatments and patchwork elements as well as incorporating photo-realistic prints, while maintaining attention to detail, tailoring, and minimalism, which are all Campos signatures. Carlos describes this collection as being about “the transformative powers of art to change perception, change in the eye of the beholder. My designs this season leverage the power of texture and shape to appear different depending on the angle. You could say that this Fall, for me, texture is the new black.”

Designs for the season have been constructed in a streamlined palette of solid blues, with accents of plaids and stripes. The collection features constructed panels of striking designs that invoke wave-like movement, overlaid silk-screened prints, and the use of shapes, contours, and topography to create texture and op-art like effects. The suits are classically constructed, yet cropped, allowing for hints of underlying textures and colors to peek thru. Campos’ new take on outerwear incorporates “texture blocking” while maintaining a sleek, modern silhouette. Sweatshirts featuring Campos’ iconic images and designs round out a collection that deftly blurs the lines between dreams & reality.

Show credits –

PR – Agentry PR
Styling – Julie Ragolia
Casting – Maurilio Carnino for MTC Casting
Makeup – Yin Lee for AOFMPro using Dermalogica

Hair – Oribe
House Photography – Marko Kalfa
Shoes – Johnston & Murphy
Music – James D’Adamo

Models & Agencies – DNA, Aim, Fusion, Major, NYM, Re:Quest, Soul, VNY, Wilhelmina, One.1, Click

Additional Sponsorships & Credits – hint Water, Peroni Italy, Double Cross Vodka, Dobel Tequila

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Looks left to right — Freehand watercolor print chiffon blouse & abstract watercolor print stiff satin pencil skirt; Primitive floral & abstract watercolor drop waist jersey dress; & Trompe-l’ceil floral tapestry motif mesh blouse and skater skirt with multi-hued pom-pom hat

MBFW — Theater @ Lincoln Center

Front 2 looks, left to right — Embroidered folk print woven overcoat & Over-sized Scandinavian print wool-knit tunic

Desigual is always a super fun runway show to attend and this season the brand certainly didn’t disappoint! For Fall 2015, Desigual and Monsieur Christian Lacroix celebrate the world of creativity. Fashion’s ‘It Girls’ got in on the action as well with Harley Viera-Newton who served as music consultant and Langley Fox Hemingway, whose designs were interpreted by Desigual to serve as the backdrop and runway floor.

Abstract geometries multi-hued shift dress with watercolor print clutch

Abstract ink stripe jersey A-line dress with baroque motif satchel bag

Black turtleneck crop top & colorful naive circle motif print pencil skirt

Fall 2015 was inspired by the creative process of putting a collection together, and is a tribute to what happens in the design atelier. Abstract paintings, upholstery swatches, photographs of Africa, a voyage to northern Europe, and a landscape full of flowers are the root of the design inspiration: One that is full of creativity and originality.

Graphic floral print skirt & button-up tank blouse

Multi-hued shaggy pullover sweater and midnight blue & teal Baroque-motif vinyl pencil skirt

The collection featured geometric motifs in black and white, multi-colored cardigans with a Scandinavian feel, and structured dresses dipped in watercolors. Floral skirts in printed tulle make up the line alongside cocoon coats in true Lacroix style. The result is an eclectic and sophisticated mix that’s sure to catch the eye of women everywhere. Other highlights from the collection are multi-hued embroideries, oriental carpet motifs, and baroque tapestries woven into vivid abstraction.

Graphic floral print long-sleeved dress

Baroque floral print A-line shift dress

Black & white Cubist geometries sleeveless shift dress with faux-fur pom-pom hat

This is a global world we live in and Desigual wants you to dress like it! This collection is a reflection of a crossroads of culture coming together, where folk crafts, lush landscapes, and works of art from the North, South, East, & West all meet. Thru black and white geometric pieces, multi-color patterns from various cultures across the globe, and distinct fabric textiles speaks the brand’s motto “La Vida es Chula”, life is cool.

Abstract ink stripe faux-fur tunic dress & patterned woven trousers

Black & mustard Baroque embroidered coat with quilted sleeves with Baroque floral print handbag

The mood is anchored by bursts of medieval gemstones, contemporary paintings, and exotic flower bouquets, all rendered on printed tulles, jacquards, embossed hair, and duchess satin. Craftsmanship ties together the spirit of the many cultures set deep within the silhouettes. Just as Monsieur Lacroix exudes, “Desigual embodies the multiplicity of a woman, and women everywhere.” Women share the pleasure for living, taste for beauty and art, and joy in using fashion as self-expression. Every season is a new opportunity for Desigual to offer its a way of thinking, inevitably influenced by the Mediterranean, the sun, light, passion, and a lust for life.

Mixed Nordic-print pullover sweater and abstract floral stiff satin tulip skirt with Jade pom-pom hat

When history and the world intertwine, that’s what we’ll wear in F/W 2015! Desigual’s current brand ambassador, model Chantelle Winnie (ANTM Cycle 21 contestant), walked the runway along with supermodel, Behati Prinsloo.

Baroque floral print sleeveless shift dress

Renaissance floral stiff satin jumpsuit with floral embroidery shoulder sash

Colorful naive circle motif sleeveless shift dress with black & white naive circle motif satchel bag

Freeform graphic print jersey A-line dress with burgundy carryall tote

Special celebs & guests in attendance — Katie Holmes, DJ Harley Viera-Newton, model Langley Fox, model Adriana Lima, model Lena Gercke, actress Pauline Lefevre, DJ Mademoiselle Yulia, Rocsi Diaz, Catherine Guidici, Stassi Schroeder, Nana Merriweather, Nigel & Cristen Barker, and Managing Director of Desigual Manel Jadraque.