NYFW – Karen Gallo A/W 2014 collection

On Wednesday, up-and-coming accessories designer Karen Gallo presented her autumn/winter collection of shoes and handbags, in the perfect setting of Industria Studios, Chelsea, NYC. The bare bones warehouse design of studio 10 was perfect for Gallo’s suave and edgy works. Gallo was born in Colombia and raised in Queens, taking inspiration from her mother and grandmother, both of whom enlightened her to the world of fashion and design. She studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology and has made her way from stylist and fashion consultant to fully-fledged designer.

The collection was one of the favourites we’ve seen throughout this season’s fashion week. Sleek, simple and with strong outlines and super soft leather, every single piece was an absolute winner. A range of delicious neutrals in various textures complemented by categories of rich blues and post box reds was spread around the space, organised by colour and decorated with the mix tape that was so crucial to the creation of the collection that Gallo gave copies out to her guests for free.

The models standing around were dressed impeccably to complement their handbags and footwear, looking fierce in leather and monochrome with white slicked-back hair. It would be impossible to pick a favourite piece, but we completely adored the two-toned mini satchels, the suede extended ankle boots, the brazen thigh highs and of course, the bold red sandals.  Then again, the chic-grunge lace-up boots and the camel clutch couldn’t be left unmentioned.

All in all, the collection works both as a set, and as individual pieces, and is incredibly versatile. Though the colours, shapes and textures are all aspects of autumn fashion that we’ve seen before, it must be said that we haven’t seen them put together in this particular way. Saying that, the collection falls in line with the “elegant grunge” we’ve seen an abundance of this fashion week.

Elizabeth Finney

For more on Gallo and her work, visit her website.