Rad Hourani

source: dazeddigital

The Jordanian born, 26 year-old, self-taught, Montreal based designer, Rad Hourani saved the reputation of New York Fashion Week in my eyes.

Hourani previously showed his collections in Paris, but his latest collection was presented in NYC already.
After his AW'08 show, he was chosen one of the "Top 10 New Designers" nominees of style.com, and I think he confirmed this position with his AW'09 collection as well.

Rad Hourani's style is not seasonal, his hard-edged, androgynous creations are for any time, for any occasion. He is more like a stylist in some ways. He's inspired by everything around him, and his feelings, his inner world is shown on every single piece of his clothing. He designs for himself first of all, with incredible sense of style.

He says of his designs:

"They are asexual, aseasonal, they come from no place, no time no tradition, yet they could be home anywhere, any time. They exude a sense of discreet chic, the essence of timeless style, drawn on a monochromatic and graphical canvas... sophisticated modern classics for anti-conformist individuals."

source: coutequecoute

His latest AW'09 collection showed us a more shiny face of his, than he did ever before. Lots of sequins on all-black outfits. Lots of leather applications, and subtle detailing.

And first of all spellbinding styling. Hourani's collections constitute a strong unit, which always developes, and is never the same.

Regards, Miska

Neutral

It's over. Nothing memorable, like it just didn't happen.
I've never been a fan of the New York based fashion designers. Their work is really practical and wearable, but mostly nothing special. But this season was even less, than nothing.

source: models.com

What I felt while watching the shows? Recession, but not in the financial way, it was about the lack of anything new, or remarkable.

There were a few shows, with the same old standards, nothing revolutionary, but at least quality stuff. I liked the all black styling at Calvin Klein. But I disliked all the references to the '80s style. I don't understand Marc Jacob's decisions about the clothes and the styling.

The only collection, that I quite like, was Rodarte's 'Balenciaga-clone' presentation... actually the only reason why I liked it, is because I'm in love with the futuristic style of Balenciaga, so I don't know if it's a compliment or not.

Whatever, everyone says, this is going to be a tough year. Hoping for a better continuation. I have all my belief in London and Paris.

In summary, I expected much more fizzle, after such big changes in the US.

Now all my attention is on Europe. London may go hard!

xx Miska