Isabelle Donola Presents “Faceless” Collection During NYFW September 2014

I was incredibly excited to learn that my friend and designer- Isabelle Donola was showcasing a collection during New York Fashion Week. I had met Isabelle when I was living in Los Angeles and she was also there, designing. The Brazilian-born designer has such a quirky and upbeat personality and style that it falls in tune with her design aesthetic. In 2008, she launched her namesake brand- Isabelle Donola NYC and has since dressed many clients, from artists to celebrities; while also participating in New York and Los Angeles fashion weeks. All her clothing is made in New York’s ‘Garment District,’ sticking to eco-friendly manufacturing methods and using only Italian and European fabrics. She uses her trademark “I.D. Technique”- a technique which combines draping and pattern making on a mental elaboration that it is turned into abstract shapes, which results in a perfect and unique fit. She was recently on season one of “Project Runway: Under the Gunn” and felt that it was a fun experience and opportunity. It was also very different from her normal work routine in that it had more constrictions and pressures. She has met some great people and felt a sense of community from her peers.

Her New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2015 collection is titled “Face-Less” and featured eight looks. The garments were made from recycled Italian linen and knits. The looks were minimalistic, yet had quirky twists in either the fabric manipulation or the design itself. Her original collection had unfortunately been stolen, thus leaving her three days to create the other collection “It’s a real-life Project Runway, let’s do this!”. Monday’s show proved that she made what could have been impossible- possible. The inspiration for “Face-Less” is the beauty about being a human being- the purity of aiming towards perfection, juxtaposing with its flaws. “A lot of people put on masks throughout their daily lives…but this this collection, I want no masks. I want people to celebrate life and enjoy it. I just want people to feel confident and beautiful when they wear my collection.”

Isabelle is partnering with Luevo- a website where you and see the show and then shop the runway afterwards. The sale runs for about a month and prices run 35% less than the retail prices.