Even if you’ve never heard of Nensi Dojaka, you’ve probably seen her super-sexy take on womenswear on social media: tight mesh tops and subversive little black dresses that look like socks at first glance.
The 28-year-old Albanian designer has been embraced by fashion favorites such as Bella Hadid, Hailey Bieber, Zendaya and Emily Ratajkowski, and has won two of the industry’s most prestigious awards: the LVMH Award and the Foundation for Emerging Talent Award from the British Fashion Council. Foundation Award for Emerging Talent from the British Fashion Council.
The excitement surrounding Dojaka’s Fall/Winter 2022 show at London Fashion Week – her second solo runway show – was palpable. Fashion Business Review called the event “one of the most anticipated shows of the week,” and the throngs of editors, influencers and British “It” models who braved London’s red storm warning on Saturday proved it.
Chunky silver jewelry and lace-up sandals completed each look.
Nancy Dojaka.
Dojaka didn’t disappoint with a collection of almost architecturally precise designs of almost non-existent garments. In the mix, perfectly placed cutouts and mesh panels cut like a second skin were all held together by thin threads so delicate they resembled dental floss more than thin straps-proving that Dojaka’s clothes were as expertly engineered as they were sexy.
This season adds bolder colors, including this dusty raspberry hue.
Nancy Dojaka.
Beyond the signature pieces that first gained Dojaka critical acclaim when she debuted at Fashion Week last September – a sexy mini dress and keyhole jumpsuit – were more practical looks: short, padded jackets cinched at the waist (the designer’s first foray into coat ) and oversized blazers in gray, cream and raspberry paired with cigarette pants.
Seductive mini dresses from the fall/winter collection are made from heavier materials like velvet.
Nancy Dodjakar.
“I just want to see more of this girl in her everyday clothes, you know?” Dorjaka said later backstage. “I wanted to get a broader (understanding) of who this woman is.” Of course, this is Dojaka’s version of daywear, a four-square cropped jacket paired with a matching mesh balcony bra that looks fit to be shown off by someone with a degree in lingerie design.
Dojaka deviated from her typical monochromatic palette to include two sequin looks.
Nancy Dorjaka.
The presentation also encompassed all body types – as more and more designers are doing – and plus-size model Paloma Elsesser and pregnant Maggie Maurer’s appearances (she revealed the good news on the runway) helped demonstrate a broader definition of attractiveness.
Dojaka creates a deconstructivist look with two short down jackets with draped straps.
Nancy Dojaka
Dojaka’s rise has come at a time when the fashion world is falling back in love with sexy clothes (typified by the unstoppable rise of the Miu Miu ultra-mini dress, which has been worn by virtually every top star, including Hunter Schafer and Nicole Kidman). But she says she doesn’t feel swayed by the industry’s expectations.