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//DDD// Nicholas K, Fall 2012

Written by Gordon West, Contributing Fashion Editor @itakemycamera Photography by Gordon West A home on the range. A dusty tumbleweed. A gun-slinging western sunset. Any or all of these could have been the inspiration behind Nicholas K’s Fall 2012 collection at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week this morning at Lincoln Center. A dusky, sexy vibe of Wild West allure was injected into each piece whether it was a duster jacket, slip dress or armor-like leather coat. The mens pieces were every bit the sultry swagger of a dignified cowboy, and the women’s wear was giving serious Sharon Stone circa The Quick and the Dead. Across the board, there was a rugged masculinity for both sexes. Yet when adamant femininity in the form of a fringed tank, sequined blouse, or a billowing, low-cut mid-thigh dress surfaced, they still held a no-nonsense level of sexy severity.

Shades of ash, graphite, mink, onyx, rust and copper stayed true to the sun scorched landscape that inspired the collection. Further adding to the effect were crepe tanks dyed to mimic snake skin and fabrics boasting the allure of antiqued white cotton. Far from the plains where Billy the Kid wreaked havoc, the hoods, scarves and coats might be considered more urban armor and less OK Corral. Regardless, the fashion savvy will want to ride into town wearing at least one piece from Nicholas K Fall 2012—and it just might be the poncho. Trust me, it’s the kind you’ll actually want to wear.