Osklen: Bringing Ashaninka to NYFW

“Unique and beautiful in their apparel, their gestures, and in their relation to the universe, the Ashaninka tribe has inspired my creative work. The inhabitants of the Ashaninka tribe differ from other indigenous groups. Their aesthetic quality evokes a rich repertoire of symbols. The importance they give to beauty and to the meaning of their culture of style is extremely unique,” said Oskar Metsavaht, founder and creative director of the fashion brand.

Draped fabrics donning natural shades of black, white, grey, tan, and red showed off both clean and rough edges. Silk, straw, linen, leather, and rubber played important roles, and stand-out accessories like sunglasses, bracelets, sandals, and clutches brought out the Ashaninka’s rich characteristics. There were dropped, over-sized pockets seen on a variety of one-pieces and sweater-shirts, and there were tied-up fabrics in the form of long and short skirts too. Thin materials exposed plunging necklines, while halters and sleeveless designs held up barely-there tops. The entirety of the collection—a full fashion load of 28 looks—brought the beauty from Brazil and the Peruvian Andes, and the Ashaninka people who occupy its land.

“Direct descendants of the Inca civilization, they carry the wisdom and nobility of their ancestors, which inspired me to explore their universe and wisdom iconography,” concluded Metsavaht. “The spring/summer 2016 collection was created to express their culture.”