>> Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen have done viral online video campaigns and asked Lauren Hutton to model The Row for a lookbook, but for their Cruise/Pre-Spring 2010 collection, they and brand consultant (and T staffer) Alex Hawgood asked for a strong black woman. Alek Wek's niece, Ataui Deng, was cast and photographed in the label's newest luxury basics by Daniel King.
>> A LITTLE TURN ON THE CATWALK —Sure, we've already seen our fair share of model trips, stumbles, and falls this season, but can you blame them? Heidi Mount had to walk on an entirely broken heel at Doo.ri (left) yesterday, and this afternoon, Atuai Deng hobbled along on a Manolo Blahnik at Juan Carlos Obando with a stiletto heel that had warped into a 45 degree angle . . . [ONTD_FF]
>> Nuj Novakhett (pronounced Newzj Nova-ket)'s eponymous line sells well at Satine in LA, but it's New York style that she really likes — that's why she chose to hold the Fashion Week debut of her two-year-old collection in where else — Manhattan.
The Big Apple may inspire her label's overarching aesthetic, but for Spring 2009, the focus comes by way of Europe. While watching a go-kart race in Spain, Nuj was entranced by the spectators's garb: "Everyone was wearing sporty clothes, and I was inspired by the colors of the cars." Hence, a collection of black and white, punctuated by bright blue and orange.
The presentation style was a collaboration with buzzed-about stylist Keegan Singh — the two were brought together by Nuj's PR — and resulted in four rows of four girls each, standing on a white square block and peeling out periodically. "Like the start of a car race," as Nuj put it.
One thing's for sure, this Thailand-based designer has eyes on her — both Style.com and Vogue were represented while I was there. Also spied: Ataui Deng, Alek Wek's neice, looking imposing in a deconstructed black gown.
