Cushnie et Ochs sent down a subversively feminine collection for Spring/Summer 2011. Perfect for a trend setting hard-edged East Village girl, Carly Cushnie and Michelle Ochs gave us feminine pieces like flouncy pleated skirts, but with a bad ass twist: black leather pleats were mixed in with the chiffon. And if you didn’t hop on the leather shorts trend this summer don’t fret, they’ll be around next summer too, if Cushnie et Ochs have a say. And they’ll be paired with lighter than air distressed chiffon blouses.

Black and caramel leather gave way to a series of short lime and white dresses in silk crepe and bitten gingham. These dresses hang straight on the body rather than hugging it, exhibiting a certain restraint in their simplicity. It was a nice departure from the designer’s typically body-con pieces. And perfect for a P.S. 1 summer warm up party.

**All photos by Julia Silverman.