John Paul Ataker S/S 2016

The John Paul Ataker Spring/Summer 2017 collection was presented this morning to thunderous applause at The Dock at Skylight at Moynihan Station as part of IMG New York Fashion Week. Forty four looks were presented and notable guests included Kelly Osborne, Kamie Crawford, Molly Bernard, Kristen Taekman, Taylor Dye, Zulay Henao, Ashlee Keating, Danielle Moinet, Symon, Madison Marlow, Bonang Matheba, and Madeline Stuart.

This season’s collection takes us back to the designer’s family’s ancient Assyrian culture, inspiring classically modern prints and sculpted shapes that create an elegantly tailored silhouette to enhance the feminine form. Numan took reference from the abundant lush, floral gardens of Babylon, created by the king for his one true love, the goddess Ishtar, this season’s muse. The skillfully crafted designs begin with innovative yarns sourced from wood fibers such as viscose and acetate.

The brand’s core attributes of deliberate detailing and sculpted forms allows the John Paul Ataker woman to explore her interest in both feminine and masculine dressing through casually elegant blouses and trousers, and structured, tailored gowns. The Spring/Summer 2017 color palate ranges from light salmon, lavender, and sky blue hues to argil browns. Effortlessly refined pastels, noble prints and opulent references stem from Ishtar, the eighth gate to the inner city of Babylon.

“Fabric gives voice to my needs, like a painting through which I can express myself. I can merge together different colors, quality of threads, and techniques to reach the pattern I want; this is a process that demands time and passion,” remarks the Turkish designer Numan Ataker on his creative process.

Unexpected materials interweave while skeins of threads and prints appear in hemlines, bodices and sleeves, all of which are a nod to the ancient Assyrian kingdom. Trends for the season include asymmetrical lines, suit dressing, a monochromatic palette, contrasting piping and ruffle details, feminine silhouettes, cut-outs, and floral appliques.

The designer continues, “I used historical references to tell of my family’s heritage and the powerful civilization that has influenced architecture, art and fashion. Babylon’s daily culture was surrounded with beautifully engineered gardens that were unbelievably colorful and structured.”

Ready-to-wear highlights for spring/summer 2017: Look 43 - Ivory double dress with sheer mesh ruffled wings Look 44 - Ivory double faced dress with sheer mesh ruffled cape Look 27 - White taffeta off-shoulder with flower applique inspired mermaid cut dress Look 29 - Assyrian Gate digitally printed cropped top with wide leg pant Look 37 - Yellow solid with striped taffeta pleated side dress Look 3- White sheer-mesh ruffled jacket with matching pant and mesh detailing The hair and makeup styling completes the aesthetic of the collection to effectively approach the challenge of making the era appear more neoteric. Braids wrapped around the head with a complimenting smokey eye will contrast the soft curls utilized to define this season’s muse.

About John Paul Ataker International fashion designer John Paul Ataker's sophisticated style and high-quality tailoring rapidly catapulted the company to an industry-leading position after its 1977 founding in Istanbul. Now headquartered in New York, the design house maintains its commitment to ensuring every woman who wears the brand feels both the elegance of the design and the soft caress of its luxurious fabrics. For more information, please visit http://johnpaulataker.com/. To stay connected with John Paul Ataker, follow the brand on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest at @JohnPaulAtaker