House of Nonie S/S 2010

The House of Nonie designs were simple, yet classy as pieces draped each model with incredible ease. The fabric flowed and moved like the waterfall mentioned earlier.

Rahal-Kharey said this collection was, “Inspired from her roots.”

This was evident in the sari-like shaping of the pieces and the one shoulder strapping which is not only signature Nonie but an allusion to her Indian ancestry.

The lack of colour was not missed in this collection as it was clear Rahal-Kharey wanted to keep the clothes simple and not too bold.

However, she was able to draw from the pool of blacks, whites and silvers to present a lovely fitted top which hypnotized you with its milky-way patterns. This collection was comfortable for Nonie, it didn’t push many boundaries nor did it break many molds. The first half of the collection seemed a bit repetitive and sometimes blurred the line between evening dress and night gown.

There is no doubt The House of Nonie is a growing name in Canadian fashion but in order to move to the next level this designer needs to be a slight more careful about finishing. A few strands were loose and a couple of the back zippers bunched awkwardly.

However, the latter half of the collection was stunning and alluded to the kind of energy audience members were expecting after such a great opening performance. A couple of pieces were accented beautifully with detailed beading adding sparkle and pizazz to their finish. The short “scamper” pant was a new take on the low drop pant, something many critics have never seen from a local designer.

White dresses juxtaposed black flitted ones, playing off the yin and yang of good and evil, sexy and classy, subtle and seductive. If The House of Nonie is able to continue to take her ideas to the extreme and not be afraid to lash out on the world the up and coming designer will have a very bright future and a promising career.

By Ian Keteku

Photos by David Austin © 2009