Fashion feature: Skingraft Spring 2014

image:C.Hope for Style WyldeDesigner 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 done the house in L.A. but would they stand up to the often jaded eyes in the New York Audience?

Absolutely. 

image:C.Hope for Style Wylde

Perfectly crafted exoskeletal silhouettes, that recalled a strange blend of armour, 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. 
image:C.Hope for Style Wylde

image:S.Whittle for Style Wylde

image:S. Whittle for Style Wylde

image:C.Hope for Style Wylde

image:S.Whittle for Style Wylde

image:C.Hope for Style Wylde

image:S.Whittle for Style Wylde

image:C.Hope for Style Wylde

image:S. Whittle for Style Wylde

image:S.Whittle for Style Wylde

For more images from the Skingraft Spring 2014 collection, check out the Style Wylde Galleries. And for an exclusive look at the beauty created for the show, check out the Style Wylde Backstage report here.