Now in its eighth year, the Nolcha Shows provides a diverse platform for emerging independent designers and this year’s offering did not disappoint.
A reputable platform for cutting edge design working alongside an increasingly crowded New York Fashion Week, the Nolcha Shows aim to assist talented and innovative designers in getting the recognition they deserve.Speaking to fashiontimes.com, co-founder Kerry Bannigan talked about what inspired her to create the award-winning shows, first launched in 2007: “I have always been a big supporter of the underdog and providing resources toward their growth. I am a small town girl who dreamed of making it in the city, and I know what can be achieved by surrounding yourself with guidance and the right resources. This is the same of what the Nolcha Shows aims to provide independent fashion designers and support them to achieve their professional goals,”This September’s SS17 fashion event was supported by celebrities including Teyana Taylor, Mischa Barton and Jessica Lowndes.
The 11am show started the ball rolling with a line-up of “Ones To Watch” featuring Jody Bell (UK), Olivia B (Cayman Islands), New York School of Design, Just in Case (China), Alice Yim and Minan Wong.Jody BellOlivia BNew York School of DesignJust in CaseMinan WongAlso returning was Made in Manhattan brand Acid NYC with a collection of mens and womenswear inspired by the sea, where rich aquatic shades of blue and orange were juxtaposed with soft pearlescent hues and playful marine-life themed prints and accessories.Acid NYCRohitava Banerjee was dubbed “the next Alexander McQueen” by Sourcing Journal and “a 19-year-old wunderkind” by the NY Post following this debut show in February and returned to the runway with an intriguing luxury collection based on a narrative of the five most influential Sultans of the early Ottoman Empire. Audiences were treated to this form of story-telling through fashion achieved through detailed embroidery and crisp, sharp lines echoing historical decoration and weaponry.Rohitava BanerjeeNewcomer Samantha Liebowitz showed edgy, wearable and transitional pieces including a red dress that can be worn in multiple different ways for different occasions.Samantha LiebowitzMuch buzzed-about Chinese brand LU YANG by YANG LU offered a youthful collection that played with casual silhouettes, geometric shapes and primary colours interspersed with fresh whites.LU YANG by YANG LUIn accessories, we loved the sculptural adornment designed by East African brand I Am I, who sources source all materials including metals, minerals and natural stones from Kenya and supports local traders and artisans.I Am I