NYFW – Katya Leonovich S/S 2013 collection

Katya Leonovich’s spring 2013 collection was like watching a model morph into a more beautiful creature (if that’s even possible).  The inspiration for the new line was “playing around the beautiful human body and trying to make it look different… the metamorphoses of the body becoming the flower or animal or a piece of art itself”, says Katya Leonovich. 

The fresh-faced models walked down the runway with hair pulled back in a high bun, complete with a perfectly coordinated shiny headband.  The spring collection was filled with soft fabrics including chiffon, organza and charmeuse, creating a very natural and flowing look. The focus of the collection was on the details. Each piece featured a unique technical look such as pleats, crinkles, and plisse. With a natural, fresh from the jungle colour palette, the clothes were beautifully rich and with metallic shades of purples, pinks, blues, and emerald greens fit for a peacock.  

The laser-cut dresses had hand-painted leather corset tops. The star or stars of the show came with a political edge. An American election year is coming up, so designer Katya Leonovich wanted you to decide for yourself with a closer of two models strutting down to Prokofiev’s Dance of the Knights. One dress featured a hand-painted face of President Obama, the other of presidential candidate Mitt Romney. 

Gillian Horsley

Photos: Ruth Prieto