Emerging talent happens everywhere in the world and all these people contribute, in their own way, to the evolution of fashion. It is fitting that one of Hollywood’s newest go-to labels, Afffair, closed out NYFW at Spring Studios with a sultry, empowering, feminine collection from Azerbaijani designer, Rufat Ismayil.
The haute couture looks ranged from cocktail to eveningwear, with very avant-garde silhouettes and intricate designs. Bodysuits were paired with multi-meter long trains; each look adorned with headpieces made of feathers, beads, and embellished hair pins.
Turkish supermodel, Tülin Sahin, opened the show with a two-piece ensemble complete with a beaded midriff bomber jacket and a satin emerald pleated skirt; giving off sophisticated “school girl” vibes. Each as unique a butterfly’s wings, lace details abounded in sultry pantsuits to cocktail dresses expertly merging lace and velvet. Standout pieces included a lace belted pantsuit and the finale piece, also worn by Sahin, a black velvet long sleeve evening gown with a voluminous ruched bottom in a deep goldenrod. The finale piece was selected and customized for Ashanti at The Grammy’s demonstrating the designers growing relationship with Hollywood.
Though most of the collection featured meticulous black lace and organza textiles; emerald green satin, lush silver velvet, and billowing gold layers of chiffon and satin created a rich color palette for the runway.
The collection was inspired by a trip Ismayil took to North America where the Monarch Butterfly’s intricate wings mesmerized him into a trance of lace, organza, and chiffon.