Click for more looks from Dominic Louis Spring/Summer 2014.

The Dominic Louis Spring/Summer 2014 collection debut was set at The Out NYC. The hotel has a futuristic appearance, rendered in black and white. Similarly, black and white dominated the show. With beat-heavy, jarring electronic music playing in the background, the “future is now” theme was obvious. The clothing and makeup of the models manifested this theme to the upmost. Each model had red makeup smeared around their eyes, making them seem inhuman. Indeed, the makeup choices seemed to be influenced by Blade Runner, aligning with the futuristic motif. Additionally, most of the models sported the same hairstyle, tied in a braid on one side of the head, creating a militaristic and otherworldly image; notable exceptions included a platinum-blonde bowl cut and a mohawk.

Monochromatic looks dominated, particularly flowing dresses that hung off models’ bodies like cloaks and capes, punctuated with touches of navy blue. Variation was achieved by details like boldly-placed buttons and leather, including one particular white leather sleeveless shirt. One exception to the monochromatic theme was the use of a gray-green pattern on several pieces of the collection, creating a pattern that seemed like moss on rocks; an interesting addition to the ensemble, and one that did not quite fit the futuristic theme.

With the predominance of monochromatic black and white ensembles in high fashion, the use of unique patterns such as the nature-inspired moss-like print provided subtle yet necessary variation. While the dresses styled like cloaks and capes supported the futuristic theme and looked striking, they were not in and of themselves unique pieces. Adding pattern to the monochrome looks gave a sense that they were the designer’s own.

Samuel Del Rowe is a contributing writer. Email him at [email protected].