Carly Cushnie (Kunst)

*****
Co-Founder; Designer, Cushnie et Ochs. New York
Look at that FACE! If those defined cheekbones, kick ass hair, and sultry glare doesn’t scream “BAD ASS” – then we don’t know what does. Carly Cushnie, co-founder and designer of NYC-based label CUSHNIE ET OCHS (along with her business partner Michelle Ochs) lives in a sick pad in SoHo, NY and her closet is defined by one predominant shade: black, black and more black (with a few hints of lemonade yellow, leopard print, and pastel pink Missoni). Originally from London, Cushnie attended Parsons School of Design in both Paris and New York where she received her BA in Fashion Design. She interned at places like Donna Karan, Proenza Schouler and Oscar de la Renta, and throughout her tenure, she developed a strong sense of both movement and drape. Seems pretty fitting. While they both were attending Parsons, CC and MO (that sounds dope – Non!?) synched up, joined creative forces, and launched their line. Plus, upon graduation, their senior collections were featured in a cover story for WWD. Nice work kids! Carly’s killer rocker chic style (think form fitting leather leggings, vintage tees and some seriously modern black dresses) even transcends to her interior DIY choices – she took the remaining fabric from their FW10 collection and made them into pillows (check them out in the image that kicks off the gallery). From her Alejandro Ingelmo kicks to her retro Rolex, Cushnie is prepared to go the extra mile (literally) for fashion…and it all started when she was 18. Case in point: her Chanel beauties. “I bought them when I was 18 in London to go with a dress I was wearing to a Polo match” she says. “I had unfortunately been hit by a car a few weeks before and couldn’t wear heels or walk properly, but there was no way I wasn’t wearing these shoes!” Amen sister. Oh, and if you didn’t think CC was bad ass by now, here’s the kicker: she bought Michelle a birthday present that, for Coveteur PG reasons, can only be defined as “C U Next Tuesday”. We’ll let you figure it out from here.

Digital Inspiration
•The Selby •The Satorialist•Shopbop•@CUSHNIEETOCHS

The fall collection from Cushnie et Ochs included sexy, fitted sheaths with purposefully placed cutouts and exposed zippers, punched up with fur and leather. The colors were moody and dark; inky blues and jet blacks mingled with vibrant jewel tones, like cobalt blue and emerald green. Several pieces even had silver accents and paneling for a touch of flash. Inspired by Pedro Almodóvar’s The Skin I Live In, the designers “explored the idea of a second skin and revealing without revealing — sexy while covered and sculpted to the body.” So naturally, we threw out temptress during this round of word association with Made fashion week designers. Read on to discover which one of the pair it describes more.

Pleather:

Michelle: "Fun."

Carly: "Ew. Why not have the real thing?"

Michelle: "Wait, we’re talking about leather?"

Carly: "No, pleather!"

Michelle: "Oh, then ew."

Mantra:

Michelle: "I need to get one."

Uniform:

Michelle: "Loved it! We both went to Catholic school — we had black-and-red uniforms."

Temptress:

Carly: "Michelle."

Michelle: "Then I need lessons!"

Minimal:

Carly and Michelle: "Us."

Carly Cushnie, along with design partner, Michelle Ochs, are the creative team behind Cushnie et Ochs. Before graduating from Parsons The New School for Design, their impressive work landed them on the cover of Women's Wear Daily, and earned them internships to the most exclusive labels, including Oscar de la Renta, Marc Jacobs, and Proenza Schouler. Cushnie et Ochs' first collection was met with resounding acclaim from industry insiders and their pieces were lauded as sharp, polished, and sexy. In January of 2010, the line won the coveted Ecco Domani award- a $25,000 grant given annually to the most promising young designers.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bAA06UrK6fI
http://cushnieetochs.com/
http://www.style.com/fashionshows/review/F2012RTW-CETOCHS/
http://thecoveteur.com/Carly_Cushnie