Sukeina Spring 2014

The Mary Flagler Hall in the Dimenna Center is a vast, modern architectural space often used for classical music rehearsals and performances.  Its sleek, red oak walls, and vaulted ceiling wasthe perfect backdrop to the Sukeina spring 2014 runway show.  The collection was full of contrasts: angles with softness, black and white color palettes, fitted, yet billowing silhouettes.  Sukeina’s creative director Omar Salaam, is originally from Senegal, infused a sophisticated, but modern point of view into his designs.  His clothes have a je ne sais quoi quality that allows you to envision his clothing on any international fashionista, regardless of the fashion capital.

Sukeina is actually the first show that I am covering for New York Fashion Week spring 2014.  I am super excited, doing my best to blend in with fashion insiders and VIPs.  I am also going to conduct a video interview with Omar Salam after the show.

As the show begins, the specific walk of the models fascinates me.  In contrast to the walk that I have seen most of the time, it is slow and deliberate, with an almost stalking quality. The walk is evocative of the regal sophistication of the collection and I imagine reflects the Sukeina customer.  The models walked in a triangle formation, again, lending an individualism and uniqueness to the show.

The collection featured many covetable pieces.  My favorites included the opening look, a little black dress, with feminine curves, but enough structure to have a bit of edge.  I also liked a dress with a soft cut on the skirt, but an exaggerated shoulder featuring a bold black and white print.  I loved a modern ruffled ¾ length jacket in soft brown, over a fitted shirt and flowing black pants.  I noticed that several pieces featured sheer paneling, which was sometimes placed unexpectedly.

The addition of accessories by This n’ That was a thoughtful styling accent.  Vintage-like jewelry and bags added a sense of timelessness to the collection.  There was one curved Lucite purse that was so stunning, that I am going to seek it out when my personal funds permit!

With sensual prints, exaggerated silhouettes in a variety of separates, suiting and dresses, Sukeina’s spring 2014 collection offered fashion-forward choices for the modern woman.

—Cicily Daniels