Given the sensuous, body-con dresses and separates they turn in each season, Michelle Ochs and Carly Cushnie could run the risk of being pigeonholed into that super-sexy niche of the fashion market (much like Herve Leger and the elastic "bandage" dresses that leave so little to the imagination).
And yet, each season, the duo manages to twist and reinvent their signature look—tight, immaculately tailored dresses with razor sharp cut-outs and a slightly futuristic feel— just enough that it still feels fresh...and a little surprising.
For spring '13, Cushnie et Ochs looked to traditional Filipino dress for inspiration. The concept registered less in the silhouettes—which, with pointed bodices and plenty of tummy cut-outs, were as crisp as ever—than in the details: a sheer silk blouse was finished in delicate floral embroidery, while a curvy black sateen cocktail dress was screenprinted with lotus blossoms.
The young label also offered its first swimwear options for spring. A sexy white bikini with sharp scalloped details along the bust felt futuristic and cool. Given the gals' obsession with body-flattering cuts and geometries, we were surprised they hadn't tried their hands at swimwear sooner.
While the collection as a whole had a softer, island-ready vibe, there was still a hint of edge: Sheer silks and organza were contrasted against stretch leather for a feminine look that still had some bite.
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