Gen Art
fairweather enterprises
In its 20th year, Gen Art presented another promising debut of Fresh Faces, this time featuring finalists House of Cannon, Ada + Nik, and Daniel Silverstain. The Runway is only phase four of their incubator platform; after the runway, the winner is selected and begins work with Gen Art staff. On the jury were such fashion greats as Betsey Johnson.
House of Cannon broke the runway first with a focus on silhouettes and digital prints of helicopters, prehistoric jowls, and koi fish. Our favorite element was an open-backed sleeveless top fixed at the shoulderblades with a silky blue bow.
Delving into a more elemental repertoire, Ada + Nik began their show with a somewhat intimidating video meant to set the stage for a leather-clad cast of strong-jawed male models. Flowing necklines, sheer tunics, and asymmetrical shorts broke with the otherwise hyper-masculine materials.
Last to show was our personal favorite, Daniel Silverstain. With a purported focus on "Retro Futurism," the looks ranged from exposed bandeau slips and full dresses with netted forearms to satin-trimmed culottes with space age silver vests. And, of course, it would have been impossible to ignore the deliciously colorful eyeshadow adorning each model's visage. Silverstain is indeed a fresh face who lives up to his brand's aspirations.
By Mira Dayal