NYFW Recap: Rodarte

Some fashion shows are no more than charming diversions; a fleeting event, enjoyable but as memorable as Paris Hilton's singing career. Others leave powerful imprints, forever haunting our lingering minds. Ten days ago, the Mulleavy sisters of Rodarte exhibited their Fall/Winter 2016 collection at NYFW, and I can't stop thinking about it. 

Rodarte is no stranger to the fashion week conversation. In fact, over the past few seasons, their shows have led the colorful discussion (If you need a refresher see eyebrow-pierced-mermaid here). Last week's show set the bar higher than before. Uneven hems, voluminous ruffles, shaggy fur and floral appliqués served as reminders of the Mulleavy sisters' sheer prowess in the art of fashion.  Rodarte has an established style––a dark whimsicality curated through layered, mixed-media. Their hands are palpable within the essence of each piece. Everything they design is without equal.What amazes me is their ability to consistently shock the audience without changing this signature style. Their secret is in the subtlety. 

Each ensemble is slightly different than the one before: a sequined blouse changes from black to white, a leather belt becomes a choker. At first, the viewer watches comfortably. The opening pieces, while stunning, follow a familiar narrative. Then, the collection's metamorphosis gets into full-swing: gorilla-esque coats undergo color transformation, lace becomes fishnet, tule skirts evolve from pants to skirts to a gown, and orchids sprout from the models' hair.

At the shows end, I needed to immediately watch it again, to try and comprehend the artistry that unveiled before my computer screen.

And I couldn't. Because, that's the Rodarte magic. 

New On The Scene: The Crop Kick

The day is finally here. After a long-standing career on the top of the charts, the skinny jean has been demoted by a cooler breed of denim: the crop kick. And, we can rejoice.

Of course, skinny jeans are a classic staple for any occasion. Our celebration is not for the death of the skinny jean, per say. Instead, we shout from the rooftops in pure elation for the arrival of an option of equivalence. Those exhausting, early morning, skinny jean shimmies and aggressive, end-of-day, denim evacuations don't have to be as frequent.

The crop kick is essentially a shortened straight leg jean. I, for one, have never really been a fan of straight leg denim; its styling confuses me. Do you tuck them into boots? Can they be cuffed? Are flats or sneakers even an option? By the time I can even process these questions, I am about ten minutes late for class, struggling to pull on a standard pair of skinny jeans as my solution. The crop kick answers all of these age old questions because it goes with everything. Unleash your ankles from the confines of the skinny, and pair a crop kick with sneakers. A fringed hem or baby cuff adds an unexpected personality.  Or, for a night out, let them compliment your best pair of mid-calf booties. 

Is the crop kick here to stay? Time will tell. As of right now, embrace the freedom of a denim suitable for endless cartwheels and high kicks, and toss your skinnies in the back of the closet for a later date.