Nicholas K Fall 2013

The design sibling duo have pulled inspiration for their fall 2013 collection from the époque of the Arctic explorations in the late 19th to early 20th century.  What is so inspirational about that? 
The warmth of the sun on an unforgiving landscape, ice capped oceans, swaying vegetation, the grey barren earth...all of these together have brought together the array of tones, textures, colors and most importantly, the mood of the collection. 
Into the depths of the ice-capped oceans spears of light ignite the deep blue and wild green aura of the swaying vegetation clinging to the grey barren earth. Above the white ice-plateaus reaching to the coasts are the exposed tops of pale mammoth glaciers marbled in hues of blue, grey, and white.

All photos, credit: Randy Brooke

Mara Hoffman Spring 2013

Designer Mara Hoffman showed her Spring/Summer collection to a packed house once again, and gladly, I was there to witness the excitement of the new collection in the Stage at Lincoln Center during Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week.

This season, the inspiration was the word “Aloha” – from the origin of peace in it’s meaning, to the spirit of the Hawaiian islands that it represents. The collection portrays the vibrant colors and spirit of island culture, from surfing to boating to resort and beach lounging. This is reflected in the overall look of the collection, from swimsuits worn on the runway, to Bermuda surf shorts, to the closing look- a long appliqued skirt worn with a cropped bustier top; Hoffman’s chic interpretation of a hula skirt look. 

As she explains, “Each season, my goal is to take the audience on a journey and express the transcendent feeling of love & positivity. This is what we wish to be known for and want to capture in our shows; always celebrating beauty and having a little fun with it.”

The show featured real floral hair pieces and leaf bracelets by Taylor Patterson from Foxfodder Farms, hair by Thomas Duncan forSebastian Professional, make up and nails by Charlotte Willer and Honey for Maybelline, shoes by Aperlai and music by Ben Brunnemer, as well as live Ukelele players (wearing Mara Hoffman Spring 2013 dresses).