No Sesso RTW Spring 2023
Prior to No Sesso’s New York Fashion Week runway show, designers Pia Davis and Autumn Randolph met tennis superstar Serena Williams and showed her a remixed take of one of Williams’ all-black, custom Nike on-court looks. The No Sesso version came in the form of a sheer black silk chiffon gown with polo-style top (complete with the brand’s signature ruched side cutout of their OTD dress) and a half-mini, half-gown length asymmetric pleated tennis-skirt.
Said look — which Davis noted Williams was a fan of — opened their spring collection (and will be on display at Nike’s “Beyond the Court” exhibit through Saturday. Nike was a sponsor of the No Sesso show).
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The look set the tone for the collection, which Davis and Randolph described as a ”darker, punk side with fearless energy.” The collection displayed this subversive edge — “another side of the No Sesso brand” — through innovative tailoring, experimentation on proportions, precise cutouts, a subdued palette of mostly neutrals, black and brown, and a mash-up of sensual and utilitarian attire.
The look: The moodier side of No Sesso, dubbed “Black Punk” by Randolph.
Quote of note: “This collection was showing another side of No Sesso — this side is our dark, punk side with fearless energy. We introduced swimwear this season as well, which is where a lot of the bikini cutouts come from,” David said backstage, as Randolph chimed in: “It’s bringing the best of both worlds together.”
Key pieces: Ultracool, Empire-waist pants and micro-hemmed skirts; debut swimwear — tiny black bikinis; signature nylon “OTD” dresses in new mini silhouettes; a moto-inspired leather capelet (and T-shirt versions); a shrunken back nylon blazer and miniskirt; a tank dress with myriad cargo pockets and zip-off hems; sultry sheer and skin-baring event dresses; thong-skirts and butt-revealing biker-style shorts with sheer trains, which Davis cheekily called the “new skort.”
The takeaway: The spring collection displayed intriguing new depth, variety and techniques from the No Sesso duo.
Launch Gallery: No Sesso RTW Spring 2023
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