Though House of Nomad exhibited its spring/summer 2017 collection in a presentation this season, models stomped along as if it were a full-fledged runway show. And we couldn’t expect it any other way, especially with Lady Leshurr’s boisterous rap lyrics bouncing off of the walls. One line in particular resonated with the styling — “are they your new trainers?” That’s because, models’ feet were decked out in pristine white trainers by Reebok Classics, who had partnered with the unisex Emirati fashion label.
The brand’s signature athletic-inspired clothing was all there, but in a fresh new palette for spring — for the first time, we saw the “Nomad” sweatshirt in a white and pink colourway, and a mesh robe was also introduced with “nomad” spelt out on the back. In fact, sporty mesh fabric — the type often used on sports jerseys and vests — was referenced throughout the collection. Powder blue and bubble-gum pink were used, as well as navy blue, lemon yellow and emerald green.
The collection showed an emphasis on deconstructed sportswear — like the inclusion of trousers with a double athletic stripe on either sides of the legs, but with one of the two stripes detached and free-flowing. There were a fair amount of short, schoolgirl-inspired pleated skirts, (making the background track all the more suitable, since one of the rap lyrics is “keep things short like abbreviation”), cropped sweatshirts and bomber jackets.
While there was an unmistakable athletic inspiration to the collection, designs were not wholly sporty. Ruffled jumpsuits and flouncy dresses made appearances too. And although it was the last designers’ show of the day, wrapping up at 10pm, the mood was anything but fatigued — the presentation ended on a high note, with the models, designers, organisers, sponsors and guests gathering on stage as the rap song’s chorus repeated itself — the one lyric, perhaps, that had no literal connection with the collection but still summed up the carefree, casual and fun-loving vibe: “crispy bacon!”
hlodi@thenational.ae
