House of Nonie F/W 2010

The fierce moves of the House of Dangerkat dominated the runway for the House of Nonie presentation for Fall/Winter 10 and one could not wait as the anticipation grew for the collection to unfold.

Never one to disappoint, Nina Rahal-Kharey’s sophomore show at the previous AFW was anything but inferior, starting the show with the memorable experience seems to be a Rahal-Kharey signature. Playing with the cameras, infusing the bustling audience with luscious beats it was a smooth transition from performers to models as the first model captured the golden jacket from one of the performers.

As the show was set to pace, models walked the runway with that same pulse from the performance. The collection was named ‘Valor’ and with true strength and high energy, it did not stray from the definition.

The collection carried more edge and digressed from Rahal-Kharey’s previous collection. This time there was a stronger silhouette as well tailored suits alluded to the confidence of the 40’s woman. Suits were trimmed around the collar with ruffles and made with a satin looking material. Bold shoulders were accented with gold on long sleeved black tops and paired with spandex holster leggings that have been prevalent on many runways; the added shimmer connected it to the energy of the 80’s but with more of a soft edge. As with all of Rahal-Kharey’s designs it evoked class but with a youthful twist, infused with elegance.

Matched with miniature top hats and crowns adorned the models heads that juxtaposed the outfits bringing cohesion.

Color was kept to a minimum black and gold were the main staples but grey was also added in a stunning strapless cocktail dress with 4 swipes of black came down the runway.

Playing with proportions was evident throughout the collection as, puff sleeves, single shouldered accents, and at the finale a dress with a gold bodice and black bottom boasted layered satin and tulling. The bottom a concoction of those two fabrics was a mixture that came from different angles and finished off with an asymmetric hemline was the coup de grace.

To brand oneself, as a Canadian designer Rahal-Kharey was clear in the identity of her collection, and like her previous collection it was true to her vision, we could still see her passion come through in the designs, and thus are proud to have her showing once again.

However, the night did not end there for Rahal-Kharey, as the host of the after parties, which was held conveniently at BR& where the shows were located. Rahal-Kharey played the gracious host after a quick outfit change into her finale piece.

The night brought a different spin to the regular techno beats heard as of late where hip-hop was reincarnated. The event fittingly named Break the Runway. Bboys flipped and tricked on what was the runway and there could not be a better finish to the night.

Words by Linda Sui Lem

Photos by Faby Martin