When we caught up with CFDA Incubator designer Misha Nonoo pre-fashion week, she told us she would be using famed artist Dustin Yellin’s artwork as prints in her collection as part of a collaboration with the designer. She also mentioned he was a bit of a ham. By the time her show rolled around the collab was no secret and Nonoo was even selling a t-shirt in one of the artist’s designs straight off the runway. But hardly anyone expected Yellin himself to model the designs. There amidst a willowy procession of beautiful models in Nonoo’s colorful, feminine collection trotted out the bearded Yellin showing off his hairy legs in halter top and mini skirt adorned with his artwork. He also casually sipped a Starbucks iced coffee as he strutted down the runway in white high heels worn over American flag socks. You have to love when an artist of such high regard has such a brilliant sense of humor.
Nonoo herself has a pleasantly fun demeanor that suggests she doesn’t take herself too seriously, however her clothing suggests otherwise. These are pieces that women will want to buy and feel pretty wearing at a price point that remains reasonable at advance contemporary, but looks much more expensive. We’re already envisioning those peachy shimmery a-line dresses and mini-skirts in our closet. A mini short sleeved shirt dress in a sea green print by Yellin with a drop waist or white billowy wide leg pants paired with a white short sleeve top and a big long sash at the waist were a mix of youthfulness and sophistication, both of which Nonoo embodies herself.