Nolcha Fashion Week | Spring/Summer 2016
The Nolcha Shows at New York Fashion Week may have wrapped the season, but the glow of lights still lingers. The crisp white walls, state-of-the-art technology, and cool concrete runway at Pier 59 Studios set the stage, leaving a blank slate for the pieces to truly shine. This season's line up featured striking, daring collections from designers such as Anya Lesnik, Charles & Ron, Acid NYC, and Jungwon. Here were some of my favorite designers of the night.
Creamy neutrals dominated the runway in this season's show. Flowing blouses, effortless shift dresses, and fun rompers all created a cohesive collection from Intrepid. The closing piece was a stunning, bridal inspired gown with a sweetheart neckline.
Fun is the perfect word to describe this collection. Acid NYC featured festive summer wear along with a few pieces like patterned leggings, silk blouses, and orange mini skirts. The colors simply popped on the runway, and they were a definite favorite of the night. I anticipate seeing more of their designs at future Nolcha shows.
Danny Nguyen Couture delivered gorgeous gowns in sheer, feminine fabrics with metallic accents. We saw cohesive pieces in lace with applique, and shimmering fabrics that caught the light just right. My favorite of the collection was the high-low hem, bridal inspired gown that closed the show.
This season's collection featured 60’s inspired mini dresses, plunging necklines, and a lot of shimmer. Keeping in line with tradition, Liesnik presented more subtle pieces first, building up to the fuchsia sequined gown that closed the show. Talented models and retro blue liner brought this collection together.
This designer creates breathable outerwear that is both functional and fashionable. The collection has been worn by celebrities like Sam Smith and Jessica Pementel from Orange Is The New Black. I loved the "high-fashion, meets function" feel of the collection, as it is very accessible. Modern and sleek designs make this timeless collection a winner in my book.
This collection of t-shirts and hoodies serve an extremely important purpose. Global Citizen is a platform used to reach underserved communities and impoverished nations across the globe. Check out their work to end extreme poverty by following them on social media.
Born in 2009, these designers create pieces exclusively for those in the motorsport industry. We're talking lots of leather! This season, Kenya Smith delivered on bold, masculine designs in blacks and whites with a pop of red. The collection was classic, while still pushing fashion boundaries.
Their collection this season featured geometric prints in black and white with pops of citrus hues. The daring blue eye shadow and color block heels gave this collection effortless appeal. The hoop skirt closer isn't a first for these two designers, but it was still a bit jarring after the sleeker pieces.
Aside from showcasing the best and brightest independent designers, Nolcha also provides incredible networking opportunities for all involved in the fashion industry. Positive press flows after the shows wrap, and designers are often featured in spreads with Glamour, Lucky, and Forbes.
There were simply too many favorites to choose just one, so it came down to two top contenders: Acid NYC and Jungwon. Their creative collections rose to the top among many, and I look forward to seeing more of their work in 2016.
I had a blast celebrating YouTube's 10th birthday at their studio space in NYC earlier this week!