LFW AW18: Nicopanda

COMBINING grunge rock with East Coast hip-hop glamour, the Nicopanda AW18 collection took inspiration from ‘90s music icons, featuring an array of motifs, logos and references. Mashing up flannel, PVC, and gold chains the collection created a dream thrift store vibe. Taking the ‘90s music inspiration one step further, creative director Nicola Formichetti partnered with hip-hop & electronic label Tommy Boy to debut new pieces with the brand’s three silhouette logo.

With the slogan Smells Like Queen Spirit the show celebrated NYC and the Queens who run the city. Adding to this atmosphere was the Ru Paul tracks playing as each look graced the runway, an icon whose career was made by Nicopanda’s partner for the show Tommy Boy. To add to this, the showstopper neon pink faux fur look of the collection was worn by New York’s very own drag queen Aquaria. Nicopanda was proudly embracing the crowd that supports him the most. Reminiscent of the 90s icon Kurt Cobain, designer Formichetti worked on Cobain’s logo and signature flannel on flannel and made it into his own. And Lil’ Kim was the reference for the hip-hop side of the collection, Formichetti played with leopard print oversized coats, bikini tops, and gold hoops.

Trainers were big and bulky and layered over thick socks, tights, and leggings. Tartan and buffalo check featured in the majority of the collection in an array of blues, greens, and reds. Although the show began with a jumble of clashing prints and textiles as it progressed looks became neater and cleaner. Head to toe pale pink quilt two pieces brought a calmer more neutral element to the collection. The finishing look, especially, could potentially be seen on the red carpet – for those brave enough to show a little bit of skin admittedly.

Pairing these looks with loud accessories, such as hand-knit ski caps emblazoned with swear-words and logo inspired chunky-gold chains, brought it back to what Nicopanda is known for – an edgy and playful approach to ready-to-wear and accessories. With hyper-creative philosophy and unique collaborations as the driving force for the AW18 collection, Nicopanda reinforced their appeal as a street culture brand with a blend of hip and retro influences.

by Lily Rimmer

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