Language of Color: Haus Alkire text by Valerie McPhail

After the presentation of their Spring/Summer 2018 Collection at Black Eye Art in Tribeca, Julie and Jason of Haus Alkire were beaming. Elated by the experience, the couple happily reflected on travels to Europe as participants of the CFDA Incubator 4.0. Unassuming colors posted on traffic signs inspired a perspective for this collection. Just like these properties administer regulations, a color chart governed expressions on a sleeveless tunic, oversized collared shirt dress and a cowl-neck t-shirt dress.

A blazer with sharp racing flag lapels and quaint blue vertical stripes fueled the tone into another direction. In presentation the blazer paired with an non-pigmented high-waisted trouser hemmed into bell shapes. The nature of the garment allowed for practical details to shine. Black and white square buttons on the front band defined an otherwise serene expression.

Rarely do such details provide accents to the collection, for technically speaking, collars and buttons function as foundations of clothing. These, similar to the impression of public signals, similarly regarded as staples, were far from nominal. All signs point to a colorful season for Haus Alkire.

Valerie McPhail

Valerie McPhail is a New York-based writer on things of style and artistic expression. She has a portfolio of writing for both fashion and art publications. Although she enjoys covering fashion news and supporting new designers, her favorite subject to explore is the experience of fashion and how life is communicated through clothing. She believes there is a lot to be said about this.