Afffair added glitz and glam to a cloudy West Village this evening with the debut of its “Power of Fire” Spring/Summer 2019 collection at New York Fashion Week. With a collection of glittering gowns, dresses, jumpsuits, and rompers in a sea of obsidian, gold, and jewel-tone turquoise by Azerbaijani designer Rufat Ismayil, there was no need for the popular Kira Kira sparkle app on this season’s runway.
Inspired by the haute couture craftsmanship of Azerbaijan, which is known as the Land of Fire, Ismayil constructed his looks with heavy embellishment and flowy fabrics including crêpe chiffon and silk. The collection began with a very subdued series of black dresses that, while beautiful, left me wanting to see more. Highlights of the show were evident when attendees gasped as a high-low gown encrusted with gold and shiny baubles that danced under the runway lighting made its way down the runway. Other exceptional pieces were two black, silk gowns that flowed behind the models as they glided down the runway—only slow motion could capture their beauty and texture.
The looks were styled well with simple accouterment in refreshing contrast to the collection’s opulent, “modern maximalist feel,” according to a press release. Ismayil accessorized each look with natural makeup and slicked-back hair or afro puffs for the diverse cast of models. Adorned on their heads were sparkly headbands that matched respective pieces. To finish, each look was styled with simple gold, black, or PVC stilettos.
Despite the 500 guests in attendance, all the attention was on clothes. As the first to represent his country at IMG’s NYFW: The Shows, Ismayil’s “Power of Fire” was a fun escape to luxury and decadence.
