CAIRO: American brand Cushnie et Ochs took inspiration from Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid for their 10 year anniversary collection shown during New York Fashion Week.
The label — renowned for its sleek, figure-skimming designs — decided to pay homage to the late Iraqi-British architect, dubbed the “Queen of the curve,” for its anniversary collection.
The label, launched by Parsons School of Design graduates Carly Cushnie and Michelle Ochs, has in fact long been influenced by the late architect, the duo revealed in a post-show interview with UK-based Elle.
“Since day one, we’ve been inspired by art and architecture,” Cushnie told Elle following the show.
“Our collections are inherently very clean, so it’s always been a good starting point for us, and we’ve looked at Zaha over the years but never properly focused on her.”
Hadid passed away in Miami, Florida, in March 2016, following a heart attack at the age of 65.
The Baghdad-born architect was the first female recipient of the Pritzker Architecture Prize, as well as the first woman awarded the Royal Gold Medal by the Royal Institute of British Architects.
Cushnie and Ochs, who have been described as “queens of body-con” throughout their careers, decided it was a perfect time to pay tribute to their muse.
“She’s known as the ‘Queen of the curve’ and, as we’re known for designing clothes that fit sculpturally around the body, it just felt right,” Cushnie added.
The label has been worn by former US First Lady Michelle Obama and “Gossip Girl” star Blake Lively among other celebrities.
