Sunday, September 16, 2012


Attached to A Détacher!


I asked my friend Monika Kowalska her inspiration for the Spring/Summer 2013 season. Mona (her nickname) replied, “Cotton, I really love cotton.” On view this season was a collection of her wonderful cotton wovens and knitwear. Mona is the designer of clothing and accessories for her label A Détacher, which means “to be detached” in French.  


Mona designed for a number of small clothing companies in Italy before moving to Paris to take the helm of the design team at Sonia Rykiel. After that, she moved to New York and created A Détacher in 1998. Her store in Nolita is a stalwart go-to location filled with beautiful items that are dependably unique and wearable. Every season I’m excited to see the fruition of Mona’s creativity. Her singular aesthetic is a magical balance of fashion that is refreshingly new and instantly timeless. And as always, the collection was expertly styled by Haidee Findlay-Levin, assisted by Caitlyn Leary and Gemma Harben. 

Model Nina Collet before the runway in A Détacher S/S '13. 

A fantastic cotton jumpsuit. 

Ulla Reiss in a romper with a twist. 

A detail from my favorite jumpsuit. The alpine print was designed by Monika Kowalski & Caitlyn Leary.

Two looks plus the great hair styling created by Hirofumi Kera for Shiseido.

Pre-show sandals on parade! 

Valery in lovely brown top with an eyelet dot pattern.

Masha in an ecru sweater. The makeup was designed by Miyako Okamoto for Shiseido.
All photos by Erika Belle.