Designer Jonny Cota of Skingraft undertook a big task in moving his show from Los Angeles Fashion Week to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week New York for the Spring 2014 season. His pieces, that blend wearable art and streetwear had always brought down the house in L.A. but would they stand up to the often jaded eyes in the New York Audience?
Absolutely.
Perfectly crafted exoskeletal silhouettes, that recalled a strange blend of armor, athletic gear, and insects, were stunners as were the more streamlined, simple pieces made of mesh and cotton. Later in the show exquisite laser-cut leather work added depth to the collection, and really told of Cota's commitment to craftsmanship.
Of course all of this beauty and ingenuity came as no surprise to those of us from the West Coast who were already familiar with Skingraft before the show. But it was fun to watch that jaded-New York audience erupt into applause at the end of the show. It was especially fun, to cast an eye in the direction of the "journalist" who, obviously confused between Skingraft and another L.A. brand, was overheard making disparaging remarks about "designers from L.A." before the show; he sat wide eyed, slack-jawed and wildly clapping as the models took their last turn on the runway.
All images: C.Hope / S. Whittle for Style Wylde.