Fall Fashion Week Favorites: Cushnie Et Ochs

As I was perusing Style.com to pretend I was front and center at Fashion Week, I was blown away by the Cushnie Et Ochs Spring 2012 collection.  As we watch this label evolve, I feel a real respect for the designers, Carly Cushnie and Michelle Ochs, who have taken their vision and somehow, in a few short years, turned it into line of apparel we all want to buy.

Cushnie and Ochs met while studying at Parsons, where one of the two received the Parsons Designer of the Year Award and the other was runner up.  They do not specify who the actual winner was and why would they?  The important thing is their line is taking off.  Before graduating in 2007, Cushnie, who is from London, interned for Donna Karan, Proenza Schouler and Oscar De la Renta.  American born Ochs interned for Marc Jacobs, Isaac Mizrahi, and Chado Ralph Rucci.  As we look at the collections from previous years, we can see the inspiration they gathered from their past experiences and how they have woven it into Cushnie Et Ochs.

Above: Cushnie and Ochs in looks from their debut, Spring 09 collection.

What's interesting about this design duo is the way their very different ideas come together in a cohesive manner.  It's very Proenza Schouler.  Cushnie and Ochs mix draping with tailoring, fashion forward with sellable and industrial with feminine.  What ceases to change is their body-conscious, fresh and futuristic looks, intended for a strong woman with the personal style of someone like Jane Jetson.

(all photos except first two: Marcio Madeira/ style.com)

I love this look from their Spring 11' ready-to-wear collection.  The dress seems like a fabulous ball gown that has been through hell and back, worn by a young woman who exudes an edgy elegance.  In Spring 11', Cushnie and Ochs take on delicate fabrics and mix them with suitings and bottom weight fabrics.  What results are semi-traditional silhouettes, fabricated playfully, creating a look that says I want to look the part without looking like everyone else.  They also never forget to have a little black dress in every collection, one that manages to have a little something different about it and a variety of little white dresses just to stay on top of the game.

(Resort 12')                                                                                             (Spring 12')

2012 was a big year for Cushnie Et Ochs.  Improvement is apparent in all areas of their line.  They not only have breathtaking lookbook worthy styles in Resort 12' but have upgraded their signature minimalist use of color to really vibe with the specific silhouette.  Despite, only one pair of pants being offered, the pieces all have strength as standalone work but as a collection make great sense together.  The draped dresses and square shouldered jackets and shirts are presented with more confidence than ever before.  While we do not see the contrasting and highly textured fabrics of the past, Cushie and Ochs chose an exquisite eyelet fabric that adds a nice pop to the more predictable silks and jersey knits.  

It is always inspiring to see young designers making it in the fashion industry.  I believe we should always pay special attention to the up and comers if we want a leg up on what's to come.  Once a designer becomes a brand, that creative energy is not always present.  I look forward to seeing what Cushnie Et Ochs has planned for next season!

                                    (Resort 12')