Beautiful People 2009: Cushnie et Ochs

It's the height of New York Fashion Week and as masses of editors, stylists and photographers shuttle back and forth between shows, a very select few gather in a private hall at the New York Public Library. Legendary journalists, including Pulitzer Prize-winner Robin Givhan and several Vogue magazine editors, sprinkle the front row. They have come to see the second collection by designers Carly Cushnie, 25, and Michelle Ochs, 24, collectively known as Cushnie et Ochs. And after a steady stream of sharply tailored and impossibly sexy dresses and coats parades down the runway, the energy in the audience is palpable, the talent of these designers in effect and the future of Cushnie et Ochs set.

"We are excited and appreciative to have such a great response to our collection," gushes Cushnie after the show. "Retailers and press have been extremely supportive. It's definitely a lot of pressure, but we are nothing but grateful." The two met as students during their junior year at Parsons, where they became "inseparable" friends, although never collaborated while there. "We always had a very similar aesthetic in school, but never worked on a project together," explains Ochs. "It just became a natural progression once we left." Since launching their label just months ago, they've scored the prestigious Ecco Domani award, which has served to merely bolster their plans to stay the course. "It's always about the clothes," says Cushnie. "The plan is to grow in a steady and conscious way, to not overexpose the brand or overextend ourselves, and to continue evolving the closet of our sexy strong women."
ZANDILE BLAY

Carly (l) wears a dress by Cushnie et Ochs and shoes by Celine. · Hair: TRESemmé Curl Locking Extra Hold Styling Spray · Bronzer: CoverGirl TRUblend Microminerals Bronzer · Nail polish: Chanel Le Vernis Nail Colour in Black Satin · Michelle (r) wears a dress by Cushnie et Ochs, shoes by DKNY and bracelet by Shelly Steffee. · Hair: Sebastian Professional Taming Elixir · Foundation: Givenchy Prisme Foundation · Mascara: M•A•C Zoom Lash Mascara

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