#NYFW: GenART Presentation

Report by: Jazmin Johnson

GenArt Global discovers and showcases the best up and coming talent through their Fresh Faces in Fashion presentation held at Pier 57 this year. It is the largest showcase for emerging fashion designers on the continent and has pathed the way for coveted labels such as Rodarte, All Saints, and Phillip Lim to name a few.

Sunday’s show was hosted by Gossip Girl star Tika Sumpter and the show was sponsored by Moroccan Oil. A few celebs were spotted front row, such as the petite powerhouse Adrienne Bailon and Lisa D’Amato of ANTM fame. Eleven designers showcased their work and before their individual collections stormed the catwalk, they gave a brief bio explaining their inspiration for the collections, which ranged from amusement parks to modern metropolitan women.

The lineup was as follows:
Annie Sofie Madsen, Gretchen Jones, Katungulu Mwendwa, Chloe Comme Parris, Amanda Alewkee, A-Moirir, and COMEFORBREAKFAST

We overheard Tika mention that she "loved Gretchen Jones’ bohemian inspired collection"(seen above and below) as a playful jumpsuit turned the corner of the catwalk. The self taught former Project Runway designer sent an array of flowy, printed and pastel pieces down the runway and paired them with floral headpieces by Ban.do.

Adrienne was in awe of Nairobi designer Katungulu Mwendwa’s collection. It was definitely influenced by the traditional culture of her home in Kenya, except with an edge. The collection was inspired by the Taureg (Indigo People), set in a fantasized concept of Northern African in the distant future apocalyptic world. It consisting of bold colors and utilized a lot of draping and cut out techniques while accompanied by music from Just A Band blarring from the speakers.

This years GenArt designers made it clear that Spring/Summer 2013 ensembles would be all about detailing. By that I mean the most miniscule details- be it sequin collars, colorful buttons, or strategically placed rope chains. After all, I’m a big fan of such meticulous focus on these intricate elements. 

-Jazmin