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Photos © Stevyn Llewellyn
Anna Sui Spring 2010
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Christian Siriano Spring 2010
One thing I love about a young designer is a certain joie de vivre, which in my mind equates with youthful vigor, fantasy and imagination. Escapism, too, much needed when times are somber, no? Christian Siriano presented a show nothing short of what he is best at: the dramatic gesture. But sophisticated, nonetheless, and mature and assured. Sure, I’m a fan. I love the kid. I see him from time to time around Williamsburg with his flip hair and glasses looking like your everyday hipster slash pixie. Who knew he could turn out a collection so frothy with silk chiffon drapery, beautiful organza bell sleeve blouses with ruffled fronts in chiffon? His collection, according to his designer’s statement, is inspired by luxe Mediterranean travel. He utilizes rich jewel colors of fuchsia, blue, and orange to evoke a lush coastal sunset. The fabric print/pattern that he uses in his fitted funnel neck dresses and silk chiffon layered dresses are actual aerial photographs of the Italian coast line that has been flipped, modified, repeated and saturated with Oceanic colors. Stunning. Three looks that made me take notice were the daring silk knit body suit (so unforgiving! Leaves nothing to the imagination!) in an oceanic/volcanic print, and the last two gowns in the show, which created a ripple of applause: The Chiffon and tulle layered ombre gown in a beautiful cascading blush and the jaw dropping strapless satin faced organza draped flounce gown, which looked frothy, like soft egg white peaks. Amazing. It’s what a girl dreams of wearing. I mean, if you so happen to vacation on lush Italian coasts. Who knew a tiny kid like that could dream it up?
– Jeanie Kwak
Photos © Stevyn Llewellyn
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Miguel Antoinne Spring 2010
I really like the idea of a man who can breeze into, say, the Plaza hotel with a crisp black blazer, aviators, cropped trousers and a loose tank. This man would look tailored, classic but still modern. And what do we mean when we say modern? Modern as in relevant, a reflection of the times, while still remaining classic. Miguel Antoinne premiered his Spring/Summer 2010 collection at Studio 450, a gorgeous white washed loft, the perfect setting for the show we were about to witness. His inspiration was the sudden beauty one experiences in a thunderstorm, the calm before lightning strikes, the tension and stillness. You can see it in his crisp shirts, you can see how the stormy colors make its way into his pebble washed cotton tanks and woven shirts. Zig-Zag patterns could be found on suits, dark patterns repeating on white linen. The tailoring is sharp and the silhouette is clean, while the shirts seems softer to provide relief. Tailored shorts were high-waisted and dare I say it? Sassy. It’s a wonderful, fresh look. Trousers were smartly cropped (the hem can be manipulated to be shorter or longer) and were worn with shiny patent leather brogues. Tuxedo blazers were reinvented with inset lapels, which were a nice touch. A wonderful, invigorating collection.
-Jeanie Kwak
Photos © Nari Kim
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Tibi Spring 2010
An “unabashedly pretty and feminine” siren takes center stage for Tibi’s Spring 2010 collection. Draped bias slip dresses in silk and chiffon layers provided the canvas for this lush presentation. “Great Expectations” opened the show, solid white cascading down the runway with a grand beaded blossom. A strappy, frothy gown sported a suede fleur appliqué down one shoulder. The two-tone ruffled sheath dress takes a bold step forward. This evening, Fern Gully came to life in a plethora of floral and foliage motifs.
Although hues were intense, the overall look is kept very minimalistic- a sleek black silk blazer, graffiti-marked structural pieces and origami laser cut details add a sensible maturity. Designer Amy Smilovic also gives her siren a tough edge with scraps of raw-edged ribbons weaving in and out of knotted buns and sandals with broad straps wrapped thickly around the ankle. The hummingbird motif is the core of the collection, providing a youthful energy, but feeling slightly junior as an all-over print. An abstract lily print, on the other hand, joined the frilly and contemporary together splendidly.
– Tiffany Chang
Photos © Stevyn Llewellyn
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