COLLECTION II 'BLACK CROWNS'
// Shot by Marwan Sabir
The "Black Crowns" collection aims to re-instate the identity and genre of street wear for Somniis. With similar silhouettes first introduced in Collection I, the audience is walked through the same sphere of Somniis but with a different angle. Designers Stanton Ridley and Rashad Johnson bring more masculine silhouettes and weights of cloth shown through the kimono double strapped vest. A hand-made frame and on the back of the vest shows a black and gold jacquard trimmed with a gold silk. The deep navy cotton adds a subtlety to the vest, making it more versatile. This collection also shows a smooth light weight suede pant in a sand brown. The floral side stripe adds a nice focal point to the print, a color and elegant pant for fall when the leaves begin to brown, a mesh of reds, beige's, emerald and olive green fill the color scheme. These tailored pants mimic that moment of cool freshness from fall. Kimonos have become a favorite silhouette for designer Stanton Ridley to work with. The silhouettes have been "re-interpreted" in subtle ways such as hooks on the under arm for easy tie, and lines hems and collar. As an artist, it is necessary to portray your current times, with the lower garments, velour sweats fit with a loser tailor, showing the current wave of sweatpants fits. These pants are extremely comfortable while keeping the wearer comfortable at all times. The collection is delicate, made with time and attention to detail. With the forth coming collections Somniis looks to continue to grow in all aspects of its design and creative direction. Shot through the lens of Marwan Sabir, this collection re-interprets the perspective of luxury street wear. Marwan’s photography brings an alluring perspective lens through blurring, focal, and composition techniques. The setting of the campaign, shot at the Virginia Chrysler Museum of Art's Garden and Norfolk Hilton Inn set the tone and vibe for the direction of the design.
