Image Courtesy of Rad Hourani
MULBERRY STREET, NYC February 16th, 2009
Words, Images Judith Ecochard
Rad Hourani’s collections past- since 2007- have been almost a secret pleasure amongst the fashion set ---having worked as a stylist and video director and making the connections with the slim trim types that can wear his androgynous separates.
We got all smitten before a RTW outing when we heard the haunting voice of Johnny Cash singing Nine Inch Nails---a soulful tune that preceded a show at Bumble…a year ago.
This season sees Hourani’s edgy eye for geometric details reminding us of the complicated assembled magnificence of Louise Nevelson’s sculptures that are abstract expressionist “crates” grouped together to challenge our idea of what art is. It was appropriate then that this space on the cusp of what was Little Italy, is where the RTW show was held. It reminded us of a word-of-mouth cool Lower Eastside Art Gallery that used to blanket this area in the 80’s.
Men and women walked a slim runway in dark layered leather, silk, shiny patent separates---vests and long jackets that had the allure of evening tails---all with detailed fabric attachments and ribbons of fabrics that looked hand crafted, horizontal slashed leggings…and excellent over the knee boots in patent and matte leather and chunky heeled cropped ankle boots.
We felt the intricateness of the tunics and razor sharp blazers--- and the dark grey poncho wraps gave this collection an entreé to a whole new audience for Hourani’s clothes beyond the young skinny hipsters crowd.
Well done.
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RAD HOURANI