#NYFW: Nicholas K. Spring 2017 and a Bill Cunningham Tribute

The first fashion show at Moynihan Station for Spring 2017, Nicholas K, was emotional long before the first model walked down the runway. The designer's staff handed out royal blue jackets to the photographers on the photo riser so they could collectively wear them all day as a group tribute to the late Bill Cunningham. This instantly put everyone in a sentimental mood for fashion weeks of the past and put everyone on their game just a little more.

The clothing collection itself was an elegantly draped parade of earth tones. The inspiration was the movie "THEEB" which was a portrayal of Bedouin culture in the mystic location of Wadi Rum, Jordan. I personally thought there was a bit of Mad Max thrown in as well. The highly stylized looks evoked the desert with long flowing garments, huge floppy hats, and oversized satchels hung off the hip. The designers drew from artisan fabrics like organic cotton, vegetable-dyed leathers, and alpaca.

The jewelry by Lisa Linhardt was in high contrast. The shiny metal sculptures that served as accessories had soft, wavelike shapes like shifting sand dunes. They were large and substantial which popped against the backdrop of earthy, draped clothing. Even the shoes had a draped, dessert look, even with the slim high heels. The suede was gathered and twisted around the foot to echo the silhouettes of the clothing. The wide headgear might have been inspired by the desert wardrobe of Jordan, but the wide brim shapes framed the face in flattering angles, paired with extra long ties to coordinate with the outfit. The rugged straps and worn leather sometimes looked like an elegant duffel bag or utility-styled clutch handbag. 

Thank you, Christopher and Nicholas Kunz, for an unexpected moment at NY Fashion Week. It was a treat not only to shoot a beautiful collection but to realize how much you appreciate photographers and their respected icons.

All photos by Mariana Leung