Nicole Hanley finds inspiration in Prado's art for latest collection

Nicole Hanley, the talented designer behind Hanley, drew her inspiration for her fall/winter 16 from a trip she had the privilege of taking to the Prado in Madrid, where she studied the pictorial narrative of sixteenth and seventeenth century paintings. Hanley visited the Restoration Department of the Prado, and that was where she got to observe the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into protecting and maintaining art.

This resulted in a brilliant collection of embroidered laces, veiled polka dots, mixed tweeds, leathers, and georgette prints. While the looks at the presentation could have done without the leg warmers, the knitwear and dresses were exquisite. For the designer, who is set to open her first boutique on the Upper East Side in June 2016, she had to raise the bar this season.

Setting yourself apart from the multitude of other designers in the industry is no easy feat, but Hanley always has a particular kind of woman she keeps in mind when designing her clothes.

"I always think about the woman on the go," she says. "For me, the most stylish woman I know is the one who is always doing something. We talk a lot about lifestyle, we want clothes that can mix and match for a woman according to what she is doing."

That lady on the go has an impressive list of choices when it comes to this collection, including a mustard lunares tulle smocked long sleeve top, a white Spanish embroidered lace skirt, and a navy cashmere ribbed coat just to name a few offerings.

She is one of several designers this season to have such a heavy Spanish influence in her clothes. Fellow high-end contemporary label Sachin and Babi took a lot of influence from Spanish and Latin America as well.

With the Latin American market is slowly moving toward being a larger focus for the luxury apparel industry and her boutique set to open in June, the designer chose the best time to incorporate Spanish influence into her line. This collection is just what she needs with plans for a new boutique.

photo:courtesy of C&M Media