NYFW – Nicholas K A/W 2014 collection

Staying true to her signature neutral theme, Nicholas K has produced yet another gorgeous collection, successfully joining high-street trends with a high-fashion edge. Nicholas K is a New York-based design brand founded in 2003 by brother and sister combo, Nicholas and Christopher Kunz.

The collection focused more on a range of layers and textures than a range of colour. We saw variations of black, brown, white, beige, grey, navy and burgundy throughout. These are all tried and tested shades of autumn, but the mix of fabrics was the real treat. Powerful cable knits with leather arms, low-slouching jersey tops with matching fitted crop tops, furry headgear trimmed with knit work. Then there was the shameless attention given to purposeful folds and creases. Alongside the high-end grunge elements, the “I just threw this on” aspect of each look worked beautifully. Despite the infrequent but noticeable peculiar design choices (namely a pair of enormous brown knitted shoulder pads) the looks were all sleek yet three-dimensional.

Kunz created some deliciously innovative shapes by way of long-cap sleeves, oversized lapels, asymmetrical fastenings, soft parachuted shorts and trousers, mismatched layering and harsh cuts. A lot of the knitwear was ribbed or cabled, and some garments were distinctly ruffled and crumpled beneath fitted outerwear. The boldness of every look was heartily accentuated by bulky black boots and bedhead black wigs on every female model.

The show was brilliantly put together, with an unapologetic bass line beating throughout, a brave and angular runway and “don’t mess with me” expressions plastered across the face of every model. The collection itself gave way to so much variety and detail; it’s definitely worth taking a closer look for yourself. From flowing frocks and vicious leather shorts to reconstructed suit jackets and heavy rope accessories, this collection quite literally has a little bit of everything we might want in our autumn wardrobes.

Elizabeth Finney
Photos: Lauren White

For information on other collections visit the Nicholas K website here.