Nicholas K Spring/Summer 2011

For the five years that I've been attending Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, I don't think I ever made it to a 9am show. I am just not a morning person. But when I found out Nicholas K was the first show to kickoff Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Lincoln Center, you bet I was getting up early enough to get to their show. Not only were they the first show this season, but this was also their first solo show. For Spring/Summer 2010 they shared the spotlight with Whitney Eve and Mara Hoffman and for Fall 2009 they shared the runway with Mara Hoffman and Sergio Davila.

For Nicholas K, Spring/Summer 2010 is by far their best collection to date - a strong military, yet lightweight feel, with the use of new fabrics including sand-washed cotton velour and a puckered cotton voile. The natural, earthy palette is so wearable for everyday, and can easily become classic, staple pieces in your wardrobe. I always thought Nicholas K did an incredible job of layering, without making each look appear to heavy. Their pieces are so versatile, being able to mix and match to create an entirely new look or take one piece and wear it several different ways.

I had so many favorites in this collection - everything from jackets, to sweaters and cardigans, hoodies and dresses. Here are some of my favorite looks:

Here's the finale walk:

Their dog Jake is no stranger to fashion week - he's known to make an appearance on the runway with Nicholas and Chris after the finale walk. So adorable and relaxed. I love their dog!

Unfortunately my Flipcam battery died (without warning) while I was interviewing Nicholas and Chris. I had a backup camera to use but had issues with the recording setting. So I was only able to retrieve the first half, where Nicholas talks about the inspiration for the collection. I asked Chris if he was still modeling their line and he told me he had retired. He did an incredible job as their model!

- Kim Weling