Yeah, you read it right – Bret Michaels. As in “Every Rose Has Its Thorn,” Poison lead singer Bret Michaels.
Beginning their show in the dusty industrial space that is Chelsea’s Eyebeam, Cushnie et Ochs sent down a plethora of spring suiting, including short sets and an impeccably crafted black leather, paper bag dress that opened the show.
The designers, known for their dark downtown creations, experimented with lighter looks this season – but not without a twist. They turned pretty into wicked. Airy ginghams looked half-bitten, with holes galore.
Effervescent silks concocted into clean silhouettes were offset by slick, black leather lamp shade pleats.
Feminine florals came with frayed edges, and beaded brocades with shields of half-draped silk chiffons looked as though they were still under construction. The shoes, designed by Alejandro Ingelmo, looked downright devilish.
The heels, inspired by barbed wire and studded in thorn-like spikes, were an instant crowd favorite. But, with every rose comes its thorn; this time, it was the prints. While up close one could see daisies and discombobulated head busts, from afar they looked too similar to the Miu Miu from two seasons ago.
The color palette – in all of its camel, black, white, and lilac glory – lacked the oomph needed to set the duo apart from the Celines and the Chloés. The 38-piece collection drew on interesting themes: death, decay, beauty, innocence. It also demonstrated a cohesive thought-maneuvering. With their fourth collection to date, Cushnie et Ochs isn’t going anywhere.
