Mandy Coon is not another model-slash-designer. Though the self-described “not-that-tall” and “kind of awkward” New Yorker has posed for the likes of Dazed and Confused, Interview, and i-D, she has also held down a number of fashion-related jobs: collaborating on a T-shirt line with multimedia artist Romon Yang, D.J.-ing at Fashion Week parties, and casting runway shows for Barbara Pfister among them. But designing was always her dream.
Eventually Coon enrolled at the Fashion Institute of Technology to study couture sewing and tailoring. She later apprenticed for Camilla Staerk, who encouraged Coon to strike out on her own. “I wasn’t even sure I could start a line, but Camilla supported me,” says Coon. “I just ran out of excuses as to why I couldn’t do it.” Coon presented her first collection in spring 2010, and several of the geometric pieces were picked up by EVA, Opening Ceremony, and Assembly New York. Not bad for her first time out of the gate.
For fall/winter 2010, Coon cites the human skeleton and Pamela Sunday’s organic natural sculptures as major influences. The palette is limited to blush pink and black, with chain accents that simulate the rib cage. To complete the moody atmosphere, model pal Jamie Bochert stars in the look book. Coon is mum about what’s in store for her spring/summer 2011 presentation at Milk during New York Fashion Week, but click ahead to see a slideshow our favorite F/W ‘10 looks.
