New York is often referred to as the "concrete jungle"—a place where hard-edged humor meets color, glamour and grace. Whimsy may not be a word you've heard frequently in the streets, but it may be now. In her Spring/Summer 2018 presentation, Nicole Miller portrays a New York girl taking on new terrain, while still retaining her cosmopolitan sense of elegance. Using clean, classic lines paired with modern embellishments, the girl of the urban wilderness is as tough as she is sophisticated.
When asked what inspired the collection, Miller quickly replied, "The political climate has just made things so dreary. I wanted to create something positive." Her favorite piece, an oversized, olive green, military-style denim jacket with colorful embroidered patches, was slung around her shoulders and offered the pièce de résistance to the atmosphere.
Held at the Gramercy Park Hotel (a notorious meeting ground for New York's most creative minded), guests were escorted to the rooftop where a dreamy mosaic of garments awaited them. The stage, as well as the rest of the rootftop, was adorned with custom brush and flora to complete the girl-on-safari feel. Watching a stunning sunset against a 180-degree view of the city skyline ended the evening on a tender, albeit energetic note.
Fashion Week isn't Fashion Week without a little flare. Though considerably softer than previous collections, Miller's edgy aesthetic was still apparent in details like extra-wide uniform belts. Drapery, considered the designer's hallmark, makes a strong appearance in many of the skirts and dresses. Ruffled hems—which have been heavily trending as of late—also add a dose of femininity to the collection. Paired with ultra-delicate butterfly prints and lace patterns that leave just enough to imagination, the viewer gets the sense that this is a girl who is ready to take on the world.
