October 1, 2023 |
If you didn’t know where the Noir Kei Ninomiya show was, you simply had to follow the trail of women clad in layers of black tulle, complete with studded ballet flats. Held in an industrial space at the edge of the 11th, the dark space was filled to the brim, all eager for a glimpse of what is always a darkly beautiful collection. Ninomiya didn’t disappoint, opening with a masked leather model that was equal parts dominatrix and gothic ballerina. From there, the models were mostly unmasked, adorned with futuristic silver makeup that covered parts of their forehead and eyes turning them into equal parts human, robot, and fairy.
You’re nearly certain to see a few things during a Ninomiya show, namely plenty of black and white, ruffles, and harnesses. He did not disappoint, opening with twisted takes on tuxedo dressing, complete with striped knee socks and woven black platforms, a collaboration with outdoors brand Keen. These wearable styles quickly segued into the fantasy Ninomiya is best known for as a parade of three-dimensional designs walked down the runway. Were they jellyfish? Scrubbing brushes? Dandelion fluffs? Whatever they were, each was an enchanting sight that lingered in the brain long after the final white pouf disappeared from the runway.
Photography courtesy of Noir Kei Ninomiya.
