SULTRY sophistication ruled the runway the Cushnie et Ochs AW17 collection at New York Fashion Week on Friday. It is an exciting step forward for founders Carly Cushnie and Michelle Ochs, taking the bodycon and cut-out dresses for which they became well known up to a new level of elegance and refinement with a nod to artist Robert Smithson.
For one, this Cushnie et Ochs collection marked the launch of their first bag line, a much anticipated addition ahead of the brand’s tenth anniversary next year. Models strutted down the runway carrying beautiful clutches and versatile carryall bags.
But for this NYFW collection, it really is all about the clothes. Cushnie et Ochs update their signature polished silhouettes in new and interesting ways, even while including some throwback looks from earlier collections like the opening white dress.
The colour palette borrowed from Smithson’s sculptures and land art, such as dark blue on the mock neck top with staggered lacing. The final two looks–a nude sequin dress and a sequin jumpsuit–suggested Smithson’s Map of Broken Glass installation.
Favourite pieces included the dark brushed velvet fitted jacket as well as a collarless fur coat. Other standout pieces included a tunic over a long-sleeved sequined top and a white sleeveless blouse with an asymmetrical cut.
by Jessica Quillin