Boston Fashion Week 2013 witnessed a unique showcase of local talent with the “nude. Local Talent Exposed” event. This innovative show, held at the BOND Restaurant and Lounge, offered a fresh perspective on fashion, emphasizing accessible style and immediate retail opportunities. Unlike typical runway shows where designs are previewed for future seasons, “nude.” provided attendees with the chance to purchase handcrafted items directly from the runway, transforming the venue into an instant pop-up boutique.
The event spotlighted a curated group of designers, each bringing their distinct aesthetic to the “nude” theme. Among the featured talents were Jonathan Joseph Peters, known for his participation in Project Runway, and Jess Abernethy, both hailing from Rhode Island’s historic Arcade. They were joined by Yellow Clover by Sarah Prost, Amy Stetkiewicz, Kent Stetson, and Susan Troy, creating a diverse representation of Boston’s vibrant fashion design community. Peters and Abernethy, who connected at StyleWeek Providence, were instrumental in bringing this collaborative showcase to Boston Fashion Week.
The designers collectively embraced a “nude” makeup palette for the models, creating a cohesive visual theme that allowed the clothing to take center stage. Despite featuring six distinct design styles, the show maintained a harmonious color story, progressing from soft and feminine pieces to neutral tones, before transitioning into bolder and more eccentric designs, and culminating in looks described by Peters as embodying a “sleek city gal on the go.” This carefully curated progression demonstrated the breadth and versatility of the “nude” concept within fashion.
The first look of the evening perfectly encapsulated the sophisticated yet accessible vibe of “Nude Fashion Week,” featuring Stetkiewicz’s elegant lamb-leather dress paired with Stetson’s statement “New Arcade” oversized clutch. This combination immediately set the tone for a show that celebrated both refined craftsmanship and playful, contemporary accessories.
Yellow Clover’s “Aria” cocktail dress, paired with a Stetson embossed lambskin clutch, offered another glimpse into the show’s diverse range. This ensemble highlighted the seamless integration of different design aesthetics under the overarching “nude” theme, demonstrating how various textures and silhouettes could harmonize within a neutral color palette.
Stetson’s urban “Chain Reaction” purple clutch added a pop of color and personality when styled with Troy’s linen and burnout silk dress. This pairing illustrated the show’s ability to blend understated garments with eye-catching accessories, creating looks that were both refined and expressive.
Peters’s cotton boucle jacket, layered over Troy’s bamboo dress and accessorized with Stetson’s mixed-media hide satchel, presented a study in textures and neutral tones. The combination showcased how “nude fashion” could encompass a variety of materials and silhouettes while maintaining a cohesive and sophisticated aesthetic.
Yellow Clover’s “Coventina” top and Troy’s bamboo “Sydney” leggings offered a more casual yet stylish look, playfully elevated with Stetson’s whimsical “Donuts!” clutch. This ensemble demonstrated the versatility of “nude fashion,” extending beyond formal wear to embrace fun and flirty everyday pieces.
Yellow Clover’s “Leucothea” dress, presented on its own, exemplified the brand’s delicate and feminine aesthetic within the “nude fashion” context. The dress’s design highlighted the beauty of simplicity and understated elegance, core tenets of the nude fashion movement.
Stetkiewicz’s lamb-leather color-block shirt, paired with Abernethy’s silver high-low skirt and Stetson’s “Chain Reaction” clutch in beige, offered a modern and edgy interpretation of “nude fashion.” The combination of leather, silver, and beige demonstrated the versatility of the nude palette in creating contemporary and striking looks.
Yellow Clover’s “Scribble” tunic and Troy’s rayon-twill “Lily” pant provided a comfortable yet chic option within the “nude fashion” spectrum. This pairing showcased the practicality and wearability of nude tones in everyday clothing, emphasizing comfort without sacrificing style.
Stetkiewicz’s lamb-leather color block shirt, this time styled with chambray track pants, further demonstrated the adaptability of leather within casual “nude fashion.” The look blurred the lines between high fashion and everyday wear, showcasing the relaxed elegance that nude tones can achieve.
Troy’s cotton half-zip and Abernethy’s slim navy pants offered a sporty and minimalist take on “nude fashion.” While incorporating navy, the overall look remained within the neutral and understated aesthetic, demonstrating the subtle nuances within the nude color family.
Peters’s blouse, combined with Stetkiewicz’s cowhide shorts and Stetson’s “Bank” clutch, presented a bolder and more adventurous interpretation of “nude fashion.” The use of cowhide and the structured clutch added elements of texture and edge, demonstrating the versatility of the theme.
Abernethy’s drop-waist tunic dress, paired with Stetson’s playful “French Fries” oversize clutch, showcased a more whimsical and youthful side of “nude fashion week.” The unexpected clutch added a touch of humor and personality to the neutral-toned dress, emphasizing the fun and accessible nature of the event.
Peters’s sequin jumper and stripe full skirt, accessorized with Stetson’s “Bridge” clutch, brought a touch of glamour to the “nude fashion” runway. The sequins added subtle sparkle, demonstrating how nude tones could be elevated for evening wear while maintaining understated elegance.
Abernethy’s lace and patent-leather shift dress, accompanied by Stetson’s “Cheeseburger” clutch, offered another playful yet sophisticated look. The combination of lace and patent leather added textural contrast, while the quirky clutch maintained the show’s lighthearted spirit.
Yellow Clover’s bustier, Peters’s wrap blouse, Abernethy’s wide-leg trousers, and Stetson’s “Providence” folio clutch created a layered and sophisticated ensemble. This look demonstrated the versatility of “nude fashion” in creating complex and stylish outfits through layering and careful accessory choices.
The Yellow Clover “Stencil” day dress, paired with Stetson’s “State House” clutch, offered a classic and effortlessly chic “nude fashion” look. This pairing highlighted the timeless appeal of simple silhouettes and neutral colors in creating versatile and elegant daywear.
Stetson’s “Chain Reaction” tote, featured with Troy’s “Aster” top and Stetkiewicz’s fused leather track pants, showcased a more utilitarian and urban-inspired “nude fashion” aesthetic. The tote bag emphasized the practicality and functionality that could be incorporated into neutral-toned wardrobes.
Abernethy’s smocked wool romper, styled with the Yellow Clover “Artist” blouse, Abernethy’s knit bralette, and Stetson’s python tote/clutch set, presented a bohemian and layered “nude fashion” look. This ensemble demonstrated the breadth of styles that could be encompassed within the “nude” theme, including more relaxed and free-spirited aesthetics.
Peters’s “Leno” wrap blouse, Troy’s cigarette pants, and Stetson’s tote/clutch set offered a sleek and professional “nude fashion” ensemble. This look highlighted the sophistication and versatility of nude tones in creating polished and work-appropriate outfits.
The Yellow Clover “Falsetti” tunic, Abernethy’s slim pants, and Stetson’s “Hi-Fi” art clutch concluded the show, leaving a lasting impression of creativity and accessibility. This final look summarized the spirit of “nude fashion week” – a celebration of local talent, wearable designs, and the beauty of understated style.
