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.
“The focus of this look is on the inner corner of the eye,” says Lauren Anderson, Avon’s global celebrity makeup artist.
Tons of special guests showed up to root on this dynamic duo design team —
- Australian musicians, Liv & Mim Nervo
- Irina Pantaeva (model & actress), Frederique van der Wal (Dutch model & businesswoman), Beatrix Ost of The Coveteur, & Alysia Reiner (actress, activist & writer)
- Eric West, DJ & actor
- Shaun Ross (model) and Robert Christopher Riley (actor)
- Lyrica Woodruff, actress
- Andi Muise, fashion model
- William B. Johnson, musician &
- Debbie Dickinson, actress & model
Also, shout-out to ANTM Cycle 6 winner Dani Evans, workin’ NYFW all over the place!
Job well done Nicholas K. for a very inspired collection!
