Out of all the Nolcha shows, Dutch designer Jessica Joyce’s collection was by far my favorite. It was simple, subtle, and otherworldly. I think that Jessica’s quote on her own site sums up the ideal perfectly:

“The sensual and spiritual are linked together by a mysterious bond, sensed by our emotions, though hidden from our eyes. To this double nature of the visible and invisible world to the profound longing for the latter, coupled with the feeling of the sweet necessity for the former, we owe all sound and logical systems of philosophy, truly based on the immutable principles of our nature.” – by Karl Wilhelm von Humboldt

Using a buttery color palette of pinks, yellows, violets, grey and creams. Jessica’s collection transported the viewer to this wonderful fairy-alien wonderland of simple form that allowed the garments to exist in an unencumbered surreal landscape, yet were still relatable on a casual scale.

I particularly liked this outfit, as it reminded me strongly of one of my most beloved movies, The Dark Crystal. If this isn’t “Kira”, I don’t know what is…

Like living on a cotton-candy cloud…and the crimped hair is such a perfect touch…

To see photos of the full collection, click here.

Some highlights from emeDesigns appearance at the Nolcha runway show, an elegant small label based in Illinois Quad Cities. I really enjoyed some of the fabric choices in the show, which were inclined in the slick and shiny direction: like this lovely brown evening dress. I really like the layering of two different heavy patterns in the same color family. It creates a look that is very strong, yet subtle.

Also, a lot of “big pants” in this show – bigger than I have seen yet. They somewhat remind me of the JNCO’s I used to wear when I was a wee skater chick in high school, and I find it interesting that I find them somewhat appealing and compelling. The robust fabric choices really brought the cut to life, and made them pack a very dramatic punch. And there is nothing I love more than dramatic pants.

To see photos of the full collection, click here.

A very clean, nice collection to look at; not a risk-taker, but frankly, I don’t feel like they all have to be. I really loved the little details in the collection: the slit sleeves, the scalloped ribbing, the bags and the shoes. It really gives me that Sophia Loren, European vintage vibe.

See photos from the full show here.

For more details on this collection, visit SADO.

Last month, I had the pleasure of attending the Ports 1961 Pre-Spring Presentation. It took place in the Meatpacking District, in the midst of a torrential downpour. There’s something extremely amusing showing up to a fashion show, resembling a drowned rat.

The presentation was delightfully small and informal. Unlike your standard runway show, the small setting allowed for a much more close-up perusal of the clothing, hanging on racks and displayed by models. An ideal environment for a blogger.

The collection did not fail to impress: beautiful, clean pieces, that harken back to classic standards, yet all the while completely fresh and modern in their simple comfort and sensibility of form.

A perfect example of some of the detail one can appreciate in such an informal, personal showing.

One of my personal favorite pieces was a series of crocheted necklaces. They feel so organic, and quirky in a lovely way.