Coveted Looks from Nolcha Fashion Week

Nolcha Fashion Week showcases the best of global independent fashion designers during New York Fashion Week. The event featured 13 designer runway shows at Pier 59 Studios and is presented by Rusk. Top celebrities braved the snow to check out some of the shows, including Zendaya, Jennie Garth, Kelly Rutherford, and Kat Graham, to name a few. Manhattan with a Twist attended their ‘Ones to Watch’ collective, which featured Naveda Couture, Christina Yi, Riza Manalo, Maison de Papillon, Gail Be Designs and Chrisitan Benner. It was a fabulous show.

The show started off with a bang with Gail Be Designs impeccably beaded creations. Gail Be just began incorporating fabrics in her clothing, but focuses mainly on her technique to produce stunning works of art (and fashion) utilizing beads, sequins, feathers, stones and ribbons. Her first look was a breathtaking gown featuring peacock feathers, which represented her immense talent. Her collection featured some beautiful work and bright, bold colors. We were blown away.

We were also very impressed with the show by Christina Yi. This designer definitely has a specific woman in mind for this collection – that super cool girl that you are too intimidated by to talk to. Her pieces were edgy but sophisticated and had a minor gothic vibe, which was enhanced by the dark plum lips and styling. We totally wanted to steal this collection and take it home with us. Furthermore, her looks were just as interesting to look at from the back as they were from the front, full of interesting details.

Riza Manalo showed both womenswear and menswear during her show. The designer focuses on elegant dresses and gowns, all with structural draping to enhance their silhouettes. The collection featured a diverse color palette, ranging from bright reds and deep purples to pale blues and and black.

Next up was Maison de Papillon, who presented a unique collection that was a mixture of sleepwear, travelwear and ready to wear. Designing for a woman on the go, the company focuses on versatility and comfort, while maintaining style and elegance. Who knew loungewear could be so chic? With this collection, you can go straight from bed out to the store. We sure want to get our hands on some of this garb.

The collection shown by Naveda Couture was all about neutral colors. Blacks, whites and tans dominated the runway in the best way possible. The streamlined collection was classy and beautiful, with intricate beading in some of the garments and a definite Indian influence.

Last but certainly not least, was a rocking collection from Christian Benner. The talented designer takes existing pieces and refashions them into one-of-a-kind clothing. He redesigns and distresses garments to breathe new life into old favorites. His collection focuses mainly on out of this world leather jackets and rock t-shirts. The collection was so interesting to watch come down the runway, each piece as exciting as the next. The tights from Pretty Polly only added to the overall look.