Photography by Marie Tomanova
Author|Christiane Nickel
As the Pre-Spring collections came to quiet conclusion last week, the chaotic and confusing assortment of styles left many with a lackluster taste. A cacophony of riotous prints at Louis Vuitton, clownish-looking sailor pants at Gucci, and Michael Kors’s tie-dye suede flares left many questioning the success and purpose of Pre-Spring collections. Yet with only a week left before NYC Pride, a safe, engaging and inspiring space where I revel in exploring and provoking just about every high femme fashion statement, the Pre-Spring collections seemed like a dismal place from which to cull ideas.
This is where I turn to independently-run fashion benefits like The Set’s “Abolitionista” from their annual Spring event, which featured a bounty of different fashion, accessories, and jewelry designers. In this new installation of The Set, the release of Thomas Estler’s comic book Abolitionista, teaching children about human trafficking was featured. A mix of fashion shows, art exhibitions, and pop-up shops came together to promote and celebrate Abolitionista.
From Ceres Henry’s tech-savvy sheaths featuring LED-propelled panels across the bust to the more leger, beachy urbane aesthetic of HOPE by Joy Hu & Joe Liang, The Set was a bedrock for talent. Unlike their last presentation during S/S 2014 fashion week, there was a breadth of differing silhouettes and styles. The artist Zuz featured a rhapsody hand-painted silk column dresses adorned with liquescent scrolls and waves. This played off well against the chic, pared-down practicality of Snowman’s 90% down bomber jackets and coats.
In addition to this there was a sprinkling of pop-up stands with accessories, handbags and beachwear designers.
My personal favorite was Rosy Bleu, who designs beach cover-ups from pillowcases. Cheeky, playful yet elegantly crafted, the designer drew much of her inspiration from her grandmother’s extensive textile collection which is also where she sourced many of her pillow cases for her beach dresses. Quirky details like adjustable silk tassel halter straps and novelty buttons are what make these cute cover-ups a definite coup over your average mass produced acid print frock that has a half life of two weeks.
Overall, “Abolitionista” was a definite sartorial refresher from the these past Pre-Spring collections and the bounty of rompers, maxi dresses and crisp gingham button downs seeping through everyone’s summer style guide. Innovative, optimistic, and eclectic, The Set’s “To Do” list of designers and artists to watch out for all had a clear vision and cohesive presentations. Below are some more highlights from the Set’s “Abolitionista”,
Links
SNOWMAN New York
http://snowmannewyork.com/
Zuzanna Kozlowksa
http://zuzanna-kozlowska.squarespace.com/energists
Rosy Bleu
http://www.rosybleu.com/rosy.html
Kickstarter promotion for Abolitionista
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/469957464/abolitionista
