Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring 2011: The Final 411
Ready-To-Wear Wrap Up: Au revoir Lincoln Center Until We Meet Again
Refinement at Ruffian
Ruffian gave us Prêt-à-Porter, a collection inspired by the extraordinary achievements of women on or around the Frontline, in particularly, Susan Tavers, the only woman to officially serve in the French Foreign Legion. The collection was comprised of separates in soft silks balanced by structured jackets, pants and skirts. Military elements combined with crisp cotton canvas and duchess satin round out the refinement of this timeless collection. Virtually each piece could find a home in any woman’s closet and breathe life into her already existing separates. Think “The English Patient” without the gore of battle and you have arrived.
I Left My Heart at Ports 1961
Designer Fiona Cibani drew inspiration from the topography of the continent of Africa to shape Ports 1961 collection for S/S 2011. Finding a delicate balance between the fluidity of the country’s often-arid landscape to the geometric angles of its ridges and bluffs. Evidence to support the aforementioned can be seen in the asymmetric draping of dresses, skirts and tops. This haphazard precision is why nearly everyone left the show in awe. Ports 1961 stole my heart with the subtlety of the silhouettes and the bold infusion of colors like amethyst, emerald, sapphire and mica; stones that come to life when cut to perfection just as the pieces in this collection.
Long Live Cynthia Rowley
The crowds smiled throughout the Cynthia Rowley show. The perforation and color banding of this collection drew viewers in editorially while the impeccable fit and construction of each of every piece all but guarantees commercial appeal. Additionally a special award could be handed out for best LBD of Fashion Week for the Andie. Noted as a black hole dress the light seemed to explode and dance off this little number. It was both dazzling and delightful to watch go down the runway.
Everyone Loves a Little L.A.M.B.
The crowds came to the tents on the final night amidst a rainy forecast and were met with one hell of a show. L.A.M.B. swept the audience up in a frenzy of plaid and African prints. Even amongst the star power of Gavin Rossdale, Russell Simmons and Tony Kanal the clothes truly stole the show. Ruffles and ruching seemed to rule the runway whether they were swathed in mixed media prints or seasonal favorite gingham check. This collection is more then on trend it is unmistakably–Gwen.
Seriously Siriano
Christian Siriano gave us forty major looks to choose from for S/S 2011. The cohesive collection dares to be decadent and playful while retaining the skilled refinement we have come to cherish from Christian Siriano. The final two gowns may very well find themselves in the Costume Institute archives after gracing a red carpet or two this coming award season. Christian Siriano designed all the shoes and handbags found on the runway with the help of his Payless team. Inspired by Africa and the Orient the shoes were designed in juxtaposition to the soft femininity of the collection. Run into a Payless near you to see what Christian has lined up for fall.
Log on to http://www.payless.com to peruse the collection and locate a store near you.
Gaga for Gottex
Gottex is a name synonymous with swimwear. For S/S 2011 designer Molly Grad gave us a harmonious pairing of luxury and technology. Edgy looks you’ll want to wear to The Standard pool on a Sunday funday afternoon then shoot over to Sundance at Set with the addition of one of the many stunning Caftans to easily make the transition from day to night. “Wet” look swimsuits were a favorite from this high voltage show.
Ethereal Evening Wear:
Naeem Kahn gave us a little bit of heaven with his collection of eveningwear. Wearable works of art. Each creation is a virtual masterpiece. A harmonious pairing of sequins and beads. Breathtaking bursts of color, floral inspired detailing with killer caftans that allude to the 70’s trend going into S/S 2011.
Monique Lhuillier invited spectators into a garden created in her dreams. From watercolor blues and greens to Technicolor red pops of chiffon Monique Lhuillier’s S/S 2011 collection left onlookers in a dreamlike state of euphoria. A favorite from the collection was a rose printed strapless gown with an exaggerated hand bustled skirt that was feminine, timeless and modern all at the same time.
Binetti presented an exquisite collection. Shimmer and shine on silk organza in soft hues of sand, ivory and beige encrusted with shells and beads. The feel of the collection is both luxurious and nomadic at the same time. Refined, delicate and layered. A fantastic fusion of silk, tulle, brocade, embroidery and crystals that results in beauty you never imagined you could behold.
Group Shows:
Argentina Group Show
Anyone who has spent time in Miami knows that South Americans, Argentineans in particular have a distinctive sense of style. Perhaps the melding of cultures peppers the people and the designers that emerge from this famed land.
La Dolfina’s collection was fueled by the spirit of Polo and resulted in some of the finest equestrian clothing to grace the catwalk. Appointed in rich caramel colored leather the collection is both fashion forward and functional.
Laura Valenzela created a very special collection. From tulle gown and dress to elegant and edgy leather pants her collection was a definite standout.
Evangelina Bomparola hit some of the S/S 2011 trends subtly while presenting us with a well-rounded collection of pale pink, white and black.
Marcelo Senra gave us woven detailing, feathers, raffia and fringe. Influenced by native traditions in North Argentina Marcelo seemed to celebrate the spirit of his country in a fresh and exciting way hitting high notes with his use of pattern, texture and color.
Maria Pryor gave us a plethora of separates. Great fitting jackets, pants and shorts with hints fringe and even a bit of chain mail in a predominantly white pallet.
Pablo Ramirez showed his designs grandly. A powerful black and white collection made from silk linen, raffia and taffeta.
Concept Korea consisted of three designers and resulted in one hell of a show.
Pucca by Kwack Hynn Joo played with proportion and pattern followed by Resurrection by Juyoung, which showcased a dark and intense mens collection. All anchored by Lee Jean Youn who gave us meringue like chiffon confections and exaggerated fringe clutches that resulted in a conceptual femininity that was very appealing to the audience.
Category: FASHION
