A dialogue between fashion and nature, two timeless forces that continually inspire creativity, took a new turn at NARDOS’ runway show for New York Fashion Week (NYFW). The brand’s eponymous creative director, Nardos Imam, traveled across Europe and immersed herself in the continent’s great museums, historic gardens, and architectural landmarks. Imam was particularly inspired by Renaissance and Neoclassical artworks.
What captivated the designer most about these artworks was how they captured color, light, movement, and dimension. This informed her design approach, resulting in everything from classic evening gowns to cocktail dresses. The opening look featured a blue high-low shirt dress with balloon sleeves and floral appliqués, paired with a blue tulle skirt, an exceptionally unique adaptation of the shirt dress. There are high-low dresses and shirt dresses, but rarely, if ever, have the two met.
Sculptural forms were central to this NARDOS collection, harkening back to the European art inspiration. By look two, a blue floral-embroidered top with a flared cylindrical hemline, the brand began playing with proportions. Although eveningwear is often restricted to traditional ball gown silhouettes, NARDOS played with asymmetrical details, two-piece midriff-baring ensembles, and sheer details to add sex appeal.
Her color palette choices of blue, green, and yellow were a direct nod to the admiration she has for Leonardo DaVinci, who believed nature was the greatest teacher, dedicating his life to studying water, plants, and light. He was much more than the artist behind The Mona Lisa.
Images courtesy of Purple PR
NARDOS asked herself what if this approach to art also lent itself to couture techniques, as the brand explored sculptural silhouettes softened by organic floral forms, intricate embroidery unfolding across the body, and layered textures meant to evoke petals, leaves, and natural landscapes.
At the very heart of the collection was a message of environmentalism. The idea that beauty, fashion, and nature are all things that must be preserved for a brighter future. It wasn’t an on-the-nose message about how we need to save our planet, but rather a call to save things of beauty as best as possible. Like flowers, fashion always finds a way to bloom.
Kristopher Fraser
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