From the stark experimental mechanical soundtrack to the androgynous robotic look of the models, Toni Francesc took us out of Bryant Park and into his world of “Artificial Life.” A world of Man vs. Machine; an even more cybermodern version of “Blade Runner” – a world of angular shapes, slim silhouettes, metallic greys, and rusted metal hues. Heightened exaggerated shoulders added to the cyborg aspect of his collection, along with his monochromatic business suits and accessories made out of exposed computer elements. Although not for the faint of heart, his chic streamlined collection gives one the strength to face any modern obstacle.
—Nari Kim
Photos by Stevyn Llewellyn
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Tag Archives: fall 2010
Arise: The African Collective
Arise Magazine showcased 3 notable South African Designers for it’s Fall 2010 launch at the tents: Black Coffee, Nigeria’s Deola Sagoe and Tanzania’s Loin Cloth & Ashes.
Designers Jacques Van Der Watt and Danica Lepen make up the identity of Black Coffee which debuted a wonderfully dramatic yet soft line of pleated coats and dresses. Voluminous and muted, coats appeared in shades of rose, nude, salmon, slate and putty. The designers looked to Picasso, and his cubist reinterpretation of African masks. Hence, the quiet tones, the bell like proportions, the geometric folds.
Loin Cloth and Ashes went the decidedly modern route with the emphasis on strong shoulders for jackets and long slinky silk dresses. Playful nude and black stripes showed up in a drop waist dress which was unexpected and fresh.
Deloa Sage’s military inspired line continues the trend of sexy ripped tights, flourishes of lace and small braided epaulets for the shoulders. Her strong look at me silhouettes felt confident and assured, and felt made for the downtown set.
Arise magazine has managed to be the forerunners of introducing the world to global style. And it’s quite evident that South Africa has its own talent on the rise.
— Jeanie Kwak
Photos by Stevyn Llewellyn
Venexiana Fall 2010
At Venexiana the main attraction was stunning floor length ballgowns that where tiered, pleated, fishtailed, and adorned with appliques, crystals and big satin bows. The color palette was very deep and saturated, enhanced with bold statement jewelry. Designer Kati Stern played with volumes, high necklines, backless pieces and different patterns that evoked an old Hollywood glamour feel. — Maria Giannakakis
Photos By Stevyn Llewellyn
Tadashi Shoji Fall 2010
Tadashi Sodji presented a frilly feminine collection this season. But don’t be fooled by all the ruffles and lace, because this girl is very sophisticated and sexy. Different materials and textures were shaped, pleated and draped to create beautiful evening-wear clothes with a modern edge. Some stand-out pieces included a long sleeved, skin tight metallic dress that glistened like a starlit night sky and had lines that wrapped around the model’s body with sheer cutouts. Another was a floor length gown with a plunging neckline and meticulously draped iridescent fabric perfect for a goddess ready to walk the red carpet.— Maria Giannakakis
View the exclusive backstage video below.
Photos and Video by Stevyn Llewellyn.
Video by Stevyn Llewellyn
Michael Angel Fall 2010
Australian designer Michael Angel, drawing inspiration from stained glass, showcased a collection of strong tailored jackets, short hemlines, leather accessories and his signature digitally graphic prints. Top looks included body conscious party dresses fit for young Hollywood starlets. — Maria Giannakakis
Photos By Stevyn Llewellyn
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