Lux Cartel in Soho opened it doors for fashion journalists to view their Spring/Summer 2018 Collections just as the days were turning cold in NYC. The eclectic group of designs gave us a sneak peek of what to look forward to when sunny days return to the city and beyond next Spring.
Housing a group of fairly new designers, both the clothing and jewellery had a fresh flair.
Designer Julia Kalmanovich presented a bright collection that was eye-catching. A silky watermelon one-shoulder dress with bell sleeves and hand-painted floral designs packed a playful punch.
Ralph Masri is a truly gifted designer. His latest pieces were very well-crafted, with modernist mid-century architecturally inspired pieces leaving no surface unturned, literally. His attention to detail is stunning, especially his earrings encrusted with diamonds and sapphires that run along the outer rim.
Model-turned-designer, ANAIS showcased a truly enjoyable collection. She focused her most recent work on body-suits, creating a cut and style that would appeal to every woman.
Alena Akhmadullina ‘s collection gave us a glimpse inside the mind with Rapunzel-esque pieces matched with light, floral dresses seeming on opposite ends of the fairy-tale spectrum. And those amazing square box handbags with romantic animal detail and claw paws are to die for!
Marlo Laz will appeal to the woman on-the-go; one who wants to stand out without all the fussing. Rings and bracelets were lightweight, without heavy clasps and could easily be mixed and matched. Choosing bold jewels including emeralds and sapphires made the pieces exciting.
Where velvet was the material of the season this Autumn/Winter, these new collections feel much less weighed down, which is an essential for Spring and summer! Evening wear by Ester Abner included pieces of light pink, black, white and lilac, with the addition of feathery elements. Cropped and open-back tops could be mixed into our daily closet and made to be a part of our daytime wardrobe. Fashion can breathe next Spring!
Leaving the showroom, I felt the imagination and fearlessness that makes fashion so important as a method of self-expression. As a whole, the group of designers showcased highlighted that they are more concerned with being unique and creating original designs, than taking themselves too seriously. It’s a bold new frontier for the hotter season ahead.
Written and photographed by Pen To Paper Media’s New York writer, Pia Finnigan.
