Every season the fashion industry is highly criticized for is it’s lack of diversity on the runways.  New York Fashion Week once again had the usual one or two models of colour in most runway shows, but most often none.  However, one notable catwalk was that of Tome, which featured eight Black models on the runway.  Ramon Martin and Ryan Lobo are the designers of the label and had a collection that was simple and feminine.  There weren’t any show-stopping pieces, but the underlying theme of India was evident.  It bridged together ideas of old and new India in an interesting way especially because the Tome spring 2015 collection is said to be inspired by two female Indian artists; Dayanita Singh and Rukmini Devi Arundale.  Lobo told Vogue magazine, “We always take our inspiration from a female artist. We wanted it to feel young and vibrant and fun and to echo old and new India; opulence and decrepitude, all of that in one sentence.”

Filled with sari-inspired tops, one-shoulder ankle-length dresses, pleating and several wrap waist pieces, it was certainly a collection fitting for any woman.  They managed to balance simple elegance with a little bit of culture.  The only criticism would be that dark colours seemed to dominate this spring collection.  There were a few additions of bright colour, but overall the colour palette was demure.

See the full runway show below: