Gen Art’s newest kids on the scene showed their collections to the fashion elite and trendy bloggers alike on “Fashion Week Eve.” Media personalities like Elle’s Kate Lanphear and Dazed and Confused’s Susie “Style Bubble” Lau were among those in attendance. Molly Sims, once emcee on MTV’s “House of Style,” played host to the evening, which introduced newer designers GAR-DE, NOMIA, and WesFeld, and showcased the newest collection of already-established label Sophomore.
Gen Art is an organization devoted to showcasing emerging talent. Previous names involved include current powerhouses like Vena Cava, Rebecca Taylor, and this season’s CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund runner-up, Gary Graham.
New York-based design collective GAR-DE exhibited garments with a palette of earth-toned fabrics, contrasting with outfits of chic black coats and bottoms. Oversized sweaters and fur vests stood next to casual little black dresses, proving GAR-DE to be both a sleek and wearable line.
Adjacent was a live photo shoot expo run Sophomore. Created by Chrissie Miller and Madeleine von Froomer, Sophomore is a line of updated cotton basics and wise-cracking, cult film-influenced tees. The brand is popular with mainstreamers and indie It-girls alike, counting Britney Spears, Jessica Stam, Corey Kennedy, and Jen Brill among their devoted fans.
Downstairs, contemporary clothing line NOMIA showed off simple silhouettes with cut-outs, creating just the right touch of avant garde – think pieced leggings paired with structural two-toned jackets. NOMIA stayed loyal to neutrals with this collection, showcasing garments in beige, white, and black exclusively.
Design duo WesFeld undoubtedly stole the show by amassing a crew of photographers and onlookers. WesFeld is helmed by Wesley Nault and Daniel Feld, who met while competing on Project Runway. The line is defined by exquisite detail and fine, careful craftsmanship. WesFeld’s arsenal included gowns made of piles of poly-organza and poly-taffeta and hand-draped ruffles, finely sewn bustiers, and a tailored jacket with several very sharp spikes. Crimped hair dramatized the styling with an 80’s affectation.
Photos courtesy of Phillip C. Kim
