NYFW – Ruffian S/S 2013 collection

Against a backdrop of a neon pink and black Brooklyn skyline, the Ruffian show took off without a hitch at the Studio in Lincoln Center on early Saturday morning. The spring 2013 line was representative of the designer’s love of couture. An even stronger inspiration was the love for their current neighbourhood Williamsburg, Brooklyn (a very trendy, hipster New York City enclave right across the Williamsburg Bridge).

The dewy skinned models sashayed down the runway in a Victorian era meets rock ‘n’roll quaff. Interpretation: big poofs at the front, and long and straight down the back. Baroque was counterbalanced with minimalistic street style. The luxurious fabrics were featured in classic American utilitarian shapes, creating an exciting dialogue that spans and connects various generations and aesthetic sensibilities. 

The line featured several very ladylike looks. Blazers, peplum shapes, corsets and ruffled silky sleeveless tops took centre stage. All of which were shown in a strict palette of pale yellows, blues, pinks and creams. A silky iridescent brocade fabric and metallic boucle were strong throughout the S/S collection. The stand-out for the collection was absolutely the Williamsburg toile featured in silk georgette, and silk dupioni in jackets, dresses, and tops. Very representative of the Ruffian love for Brooklyn.

Gillian Horsley
Photos: Anita Isola