Chromat catwalk show report for NYFW A/W 2015

NYC-based artist Becca McCharen brought her signature “cultural experiments for the body” to Milk Studios in the Meatpacking district for friday night of NYFW. With a degree in architecture, McCharen created Chromat in 2010 with an eye for structure, scaffolding, and ornate 3D printing.

Chromat’s pieces in the past have ranged from swimwear to daring lingerie, the latter most memorably worn in Beyonce’s 2014 VMA performance. Thankfully, these 3D-printed pieces of art are even available for purchase to the public on their website, as well as their more casual pieces, of course. Chromat has also been featured on performers such as Nicki Minaj, FKA Twigs, Rita Ora and Demi Lovato. 

Chromat’s audience cheered and whooped as the show began with green strobe lights introducing the models onto the runway. Chromat’s collection has been distinct in its style and has remained so since their birth five years ago. Chromat’s A/W collection expanded on their style and experiments, working with innovative materials to create metallic bodysuits, plastic headwear, and strappy bralets. Tightly worn mesh dresses only highlighted the underwear underneath that perfectly accented the bodies of the women.

It was refreshing to see women as well as transgender women of all shapes and sizes working the provocative pieces under the bright flashing lights of the room. Their confidence was a perfect statement of New York’s state of mind and they were not afraid to show it. The crowd of all ages and boroughs roared every time a model would come out rocking their platforms and rubber knee-high’s, not only because of the outstanding work, but because of the models that represented it. 

 Patricia Dale Lidis
Photos: Richard Gasparro

For further information on the Chromat A/W15 fashion collection visit here.