Square by Nulla

Deriving from the Latin word “NULLUS,” literally meaning “not any,” NULLA by Kesic Petrushevski has historically used its name to inspire clothing conjured in nothingness yet realized in a timeless aesthetic sensibility. Square, by NULLA is certainly no exception to this idea. Minimalism is in a way at it’s best here, for not only are the clothes grounded in simplicity, they are unexpected in their flattery to the ambiguous body. There is a firm balance between thin and thick fabrics, structure and drapery, and smooth and textured surfaces. Leather plays an essential role in the conversation between the expected and unexpected as a seemingly seamless wool vest plays off of a deliciously provocative front-zipper leather shirt. A tummy-revealing poncho-jacket displays exquisite detail as leather is gathered into silk-like ripples. And classical elegance, utility, and a certain mysterious sex appeal are united in a one-piece jumpsuit that redefines the stereotypical street-style, “fashion forward” onesie.

Often gaining inspiration from simple, geometric forms, the design team of Jelena Kesic and Bojan Petrushevski decided that the deceivingly challenging shape of a square would drive the structure behind all of the pieces in this collection. However, when considering a square, one usually would not think of the elegant movement, curvilinear flow, or contoured lines, which are present throughout the collection. Yet somehow Kesic Petrushevski dispels all preconceptions of what this wonderful shape can do. While the square is classically used in minimalist collections through color blocking, or boxy sack-like looks, NULLA transforms this otherwise rigid shape into one which works with the natural structure of the body. Present in the form of pleats, lines, and physical pattern structure, the square takes a step further, turning on a diagonal and creating what one could call the minimalist flounce. The cleverness with which Kesic Petrushevski uses the square renders color unnecessary. Black and white is no longer a cliché, but is instead the perfect platform to showcase the ability of fabric to transform the body. It is a breath of fresh air to observe a collection that is thought provoking, yet easy on the mind, chic yet relatable, fashion forward yet useful, well rounded in its variety, yet always pointing back to a square.