Housed in the steel and concrete showroom of Eyebeam Art + Technology Center in Chelsea, Mexico-born designer Ricardo Seco made last minute preparations to the model’s line-up and touched up the kippah-inspired leather cap on a model’s head. With the few minutes before the start of his Fall/Winter 2013 collection titled “ALIVE,” Mr. Seco took some time to talk about the inspiration for this collection. With his recent move to Williamsburg, Brooklyn, he became immersed in the multi-culturalism of the hipster neighborhood along with the long-traditional Hassidic Jews in the community. The core beliefs of both cultures are different, but Ricardo Seco is convinced that the extent of belief is similar: “When they believe, they feel alive.” His excitement of showing his collection for New York’s fashion week and his ability to give back to his community is clear in his new collection.
As the DJ opens the show with tribal-like house music, the models file out one by one and step onto risers. The obvious Hassidic influences could be seen by not only the kippahs, but also the long twisted sideburns (payot) sported by the men and the subtle Orthodox elements of high necklines, long silhouettes, and a black and white dominated color palette. Sweaters were embroidered with the image of the back of a Hasidic Jew’s head. Footwear consisted of only Converse sneakers, contesting to Seco’s partnership with the popular shoe brand. Flashes of deep hunter green and accents of leather and snakeskin kept the collection interesting. The use of the biker jacket and gloves paired with snakeskin handbags kept the collection contemporary. The common silhouettes consisted of the long coat or jacket paired with skinny pants. One standout piece consisted of a draped leather fringe scarf. While Ricardo Seco’s designs may be unconventional, many pieces combine the right amount of casual and edgy for a successful season’s collection.
The viewing patrons milled around and casually inspected the collection while partaking in drinks consisting of Alacrán tequila. They later went home with gift bags featuring Angelíssima products, both Mexico-based sponsoring brands.
Q: What inspired this collection?
Ricardo Seco: I was inspired by the multi-cultural man living in Williamsburg that believes in his music and his art and is all about creativity, mixed with people that believe in tradition. But it is a similar belief. When they believe, they feel alive.
Q: What was the highlight of designing this collection?
Ricardo Seco: A lot of black; long silhouettes; skinny pants.
Q: What is your creative process like?
Ricardo Seco: I take the mood that I like more with a second effect: the skit, the act, the balance. And I talk about this man.
Q: Anything you would like to add?
Ricardo Seco: No, I’m very glad this homage for these people with many respects because they give me a lot of good things and this is my turn to share with them.
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