NYFWM: KENNETH NING ss16

Despite its cohesive appearance, the Kenneth Ning ss16 presentation was a balancing act between aesthetic and conceptual extremes— east-west, old-new, tailored-fluid. Although extensively explored dualities, Ning’s youthful perspective brought an effortless sense of balance to these age-old motifs.

The collection featured an exotic color palette. Smart suits came in rich, spicy hues influenced by eastern bazaars. Sporty black and white separates donned circular mandalas reminiscent of Moroccan tapestries, integrating the beauty of eastern ornamentation with the utility of western ready to wear.

Ning’s forte rests in his elevated approach to streetwear. Shortsuits paired with short-sleeved button ups were possessed a level of sophistication achieved through pristinely crisp tailoring. Fresh faced + masked models including Charlie James + Noah Duran were sporting laced + patterned looks. Oversized printed safari coats worn with matching wide legged trousers were smartly tailored to appear fluid, but not sloppy.

Overall, it was the collection’s sense of balance that resulted in a catalogue of smart separates that were equally as accessible as they are artful. NYFWM: KENNETH NING ss16 NYFWM selects by Brigitte Segura. Story by Christine Buzan.