Nolcha Fashion Week: Part Three

Written by Marcella Elbaum

While we love runway shows that showcase the risqué and obscure, we also enjoy seeing designers’ fashion-forward looks that we could actually wear ourselves without getting a fine for indecent exposure, or having to be six feet tall and get a Brazilian wax. Luckily, Nolcha Fashion Week offers a platform for talented designers to showcase their innovative, creative and bold, yet practical, collections to the masses. We had the opportunity to attend the 7:30pm show at Pier 59, and the front-runners of the night were the beautifully curated collections by Leka and Studio 6th Sense.

Leka‘s collection featured incredibly sharp and feminine silhouettes. Her self-titled label is influenced by modern architecture, which is evident in her collection. Many of her runway looks included dresses that stuck with a black palette, with pops of red and beige. These are far from your basic LBDs!

One of our favorite looks from Leka’s collection includes this chic feathered dress, a la Black Swan. With its plunging leather bodice and feathered skirt, it’s the perfect balance of edgy and delicate.

We also loved Leka’s exaggerated shoulder with a peek-a-boo bodice and tulle skirt, with a subtle pop of red. We instantly thought of Catwoman when we saw this bodice coming down the runway, and not just because this look is both flirty and fierce. Between the sharp, cat-eared shoulders and ruffled layers of tulle, both of which help narrow the waist, this dress creates a beautiful and flattering silhouette.

Last from Leka’s collection, but certainly not least, we loved these striking red and black cocktail dresses. Both feature a bold splash of red on the bodice, with black on the skirt. The first look that came down the runway showed a fitted corset top, with a ruffled, yet form-fitting skirt. The second look showed a tasteful plunging neckline, with an asymmetrical skirt, which flowed beautifully down the runway. Again, Leka’s designs create a flattering silhouette, which narrow the waist, while accentuating curves.

What’s blue, black and white all over? If you really want to know, you should see some of our favorite looks from Studio 6th Sense‘s collection. Somehow, Studio 6th Sense designer, Stephen Goudeau, was able to take one pattern and create several unique, yet practical styles with it. We loved that he took one pattern and used it in every possible cut a woman could ask for in her wardrobe, without boring us in the slightest on the runway!

Between the peplum skirt, the full-length, low-cut romper, the fitted knee- length and strapless, fulllength mermaid dresses, among many other styles, Studio 6th Sense covered all wardrobe essentials with this versatile print.