For spring 2015, design duo Nicholas and Christopher Kunz were inspired by 19th century swiss born explorer, Isabelle Eberhart.
Eberhart left geneva at an early age for north africa where she travelled extensively dressed as a man, which was the ultimate passport of freedom.
She committed her life to fighting the injustices of colonial rule and tending to the poor. inspired by Eberhart’s journey, hints of her expeditions and encounters are seen throughout.
The collection incorporates strong saharan themes infused with a crisp and pointed modern utilitarian aesthetic. Swaths of free flowing sheer cotton, vibrant rich sand washed silks, draped fabric shawls with leather accents, hand dyed cotton prints and faded distressed jerseys come together in tribute to eberhart. the color palette reflects nature’s changes in one desert day.
Soft cream colors of sheer cotton parallel the first light of morning, while the texture of the sand washed silk in rich topaz, emerald, olive, and turquoise represent the smoothness of the fine rolling desert sands. deep tones of charcoal and black mimic the mysterious kohl eyes seen across north Africa.
Metal, leather and steampunk accents frame the story including julbo vermont sunglasses, rilleau leather leather belts, distressed leather heels wrapped with rope laces, created in collaboration with shoe designer, kiyoon baek and sculptured natural horsetail and handmade leather macramé jewelry by Victoria Simes. g-shock s series desert camo watches complete the modern nomadic explorer.
