Although only a second timer at New York Fashion Week, there was nothing rookie about Hillary Taymour’s AW15 Ready-to-Wear Collection for Collina Strada. The presentation at Milk Studios for MADE Fashion Week was a carefully curated exhibition inspired by Japanese architecture and Hillary Taymour’s love of leather and lingerie. Paired with the presentation was a live musical performance by Drool featuring photographer Cara Stricker and songwriter John Kirby.
The presentation also marked the launch of Social + Studies: a creative collaboration between Taymour and stylist Gillian Wilkins. “Everything here is for sale,” Taymour explained, pointing to the large shards of white-framed mirrors that erected behind and in front of her models. The first series of the collaborative project introduced a collection of sharp, minimal design objects that doubled as the curated backdrop to the presentation.
“The idea is that you are able to see things from every angle as you move from one end to the next,” Taymour pointed out. The models stood scattered about the mirrors allowing the crowd to see the front and backs of every piece as they worked their way around the presentation. “My clothes are always wearable and always minimal. That’s what I make.”
There were lambskin tank tops layered under chiffon tees and graphic print Crepe de Chine ankle-length trousers with loop cutouts at the hem. Each look was monochromatic giving favor to structural details over prints and patterns. There were shearling accents in the form of coat collars and obi style chokers, which played on the Japanese aesthetic. Among the highlights was a caramel colored lambskin bra top with belt loop straps over a loose chiffon set, and a halter style lambskin turtleneck with a lace-up geometric back.
The line challenged the notion that leather is rough and intense by presenting ultra flattering, feminine shapes that paired perfectly with free flowing chiffon. As a newcomer, Taymour is fast becoming a force to be reckoned with.
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