Runa Ray Spring/Summer 2017 Collection
By: Michelle Darris
Helping bring New York Fashion Week to an extravagant end, people clad in everything from a neon yellow tuxedo to bright blue hair gathered to attend one of the last shows of the season. Accomplished designer Runa Ray displayed her ‘17 Spring/Summer collection in Skylight At Moynihan Station. The lavishly decorated waiting area was accentuated by its warm reception: beside large screens flicking through beautiful footage of other designers’ collections were the waitstaff, neatly dressed in all black and giving out complimentary beverages to the showgoers who desired them. But beyond the gleaming walls of the studio, these showgoers are often misrepresented. From the outside looking in, the exclusivity of the world of fashion is daunting. Criticized for their presumed vanity, inherent of an industry embedded in external appearance, these people are often dismissed as shallow. But with my first Fashion Week coming to a close, I can safely say that these are some of the nicest people I have met. They are authentic, and much like the collections that they run from location to location to see, they represent much more than an art: they are a community.
The lights died down and a few men dressed in black quickly removed the plastic sheet that protected the runway floor from the excited showgoers who clamored to take pictures on it just moments before. They hushed as the first model stepped onto the catwalk. The show featured models in wild hair and no footwear, and the garments themselves were organic and unique. Primitive yet stylish, the collection played with the balance between old and new. These are a few of the exceptional looks:
This model wore a cream-colored dress that tied at the waist. The dress fell just above the knees and featured a midlength neckline with a sharp V.
A 5-tiered champagne-colored dress fell elegantly on a model who also wore a sheer, kimono-inspired garment.
A model in a plaid number flaunted faux-dreadlocks as she strutted down the runway. The outfit had ruffled detailing above a demi-bustier styled top.
This model wore an elegant grey two piece. The high neckline top and skirt that fell below the knees gave the garment an air of chic professionalism.
Styled in natural-looking makeup and long hair worn down, this model wore a rustic, but chic tan dress with thin gold detailing.
This model wore a woven tartan dress with a deep neckline that extended to her waist. The dress tied at the waist and had a slit just above the knee.
A model in curly, natural hair wore a green dress with two wide lapels and ruched sleeves.
This model wore a polished black dress with a high neckline. The fitted garment gave an aura of sophistication.
Dressed in an alluring two piece outfit, this model wore a black skirt with a slit that went to the top of her thigh.
Closing the show with a powerful statement, these three models strutted down the runway each with two letters painted onto their backs: “EV,” “OL,” “VE.” Evolve.