Click for more looks from Mordekai by Ken Borochov Spring/Summer 2014.
Backstage at Mordekai, a swarm of black-and-gold-clad assistants—each muttering rapidly into a headset tucked under a gold bohemian headband—rush like worker bees back and forth through the narrow corridor they have taken over for the day in The Standard Highline Hotel. Amidst clacking clipboards, flying hair extensions, and make up brushes that release a rainbow of pastel powder into the air, designer Ken Borochov, queen bee of the hive, is instantly recognizable. Always fabulous, in a floor-length white shirtdress, oversized shades, and an intricate crown of golden flowers, Borochov—the only relaxed presence in the building—chatters gregariously with everyone who walks by. He talks about how he has never lost sight of his native Israel, or his beloved father (the eponymy of the line), whose gold watch he proudly displays.
Borochov raves about the collection, which he describes as a 60s doll story that somehow maintains his omnipresent darker sources of inspiration, Leigh Bowery and Edward Scissorhands. He explains his career choice by recounting his beginning days at FIT and the years of experimentation that led him to jewelry design, the singular passion that would push him up to fashion notoriety.
“Originally, I did go to school for fashion. I went to FIT, and I, like, just wasn’t getting any traction… I started making headpieces and chain stuff but I wouldn’t make clothing. And then two or three years ago, it just kind of started getting shot, and I was like, I should do this full time.”
Soon enough, Borochov scurries off in search of his “M” scepter and the models proceed toward the stage. Looks include bathing suits, intimates, and sheer cover-ups, embodying the playful vibe of pure 60s girlishness, all to the tunes of Joan Jett, The Ting Tings, and Gwen Stefani. Despite pink pastel ruffles, lace, and florals, the show incorporates gladiator-esque headpieces, radically long blond and pink pigtails, and cage-like face masks, persisting the tradition of Borochov’s ultra-avante garde creations. The Barbie-meets-Cleopatra procession features strappy flower-covered belts that wrap between the legs, slitted masks decorated with flowers and plastic trinkets, and chain necklaces that flash the pop-culture terms, “Twerk,” “Trill,” and “Molly.” Mordekai’s infamous jewelry certainly does not disappoint, judging from the way viewers ooh and ahh at gorgeous skeletal finger rings, ankle cuffs, and lock-and-key charms that serve as accessories for accessories.
“There has to be sort of a mix of reality and fantasy,” Borochov explains. “And my motto is more is more, every day.”
At the conclusion of the show, Borochov emerges, with his sought-after golden “M” scepter and blows proud kisses to the crowd. This world of fantastical and whimsical prettiness he has allowed the public into for a brief moment is over, and viewers flood into the elevator, bumping against a low-key Lady Gaga making her way in for the second show.
Blair Cannon is a contributing writer. Email her at [email protected].
Connie Cannon • Sep 12, 2013 at 11:16 am
beautiful jewelry and writing… connie cannon
Tomi Lynn Huff • Sep 12, 2013 at 10:02 am
I wish I could have been there. It sounds like jewelry fantasy land.