RAD by Rad Hourani Womenswear S/S11

Slightly off kilter for New York's fashion week, Rad Hourani showed a collection that would have made total sense in Berlin, London, or even Paris. That’s why it was so refreshing. Rarely do you get such hardcore monochrome and angular collections in the US. Focused on black and white leather-looking PVC, Hourani played with proportions by making sure voluminous tops contrasted with tight bottoms.

Models came out in unisex pairs, wearing jackets with flowing lapels, collarless shirts (some with buttons on the front, others along the back) or detachable sleeves. Asymmetric details went through the collection as a red thread, as did the black and square sunglasses. Short but sweet, Hourani put on one of the more unique Monday shows in New York.

Dazed Digital: What was the starting point for this collection?
Rad Hourani: For me it’s not about trends and seasons, it’s about creating unisex and transformable clothes that works in different sizes.

DD: Tell us about the fabrics!
Rad Hourani: I work a lot with PVC, and I like draping silk and cotton and mixing them with hi tech fabrics, such as the PVC and the sunglasses.

DD: Who did you do the sunglasses with, they’re amazing…
Rad Hourani: Mykita. They’re great because the use a metal that doesn’t look like metal, it’s very light.

DD: Favourite piece in the show?
Rad Hourani: All of it! I create for myself and I won’t put anything on the catwalk that I don’t need or that I don’t want.