Mara Hoffman’s cheeky, bohemian prowess was in full effect for her Spring 2012 presentation, aptly named “Mexican Mamas.” A traditional mariachi band greeted us as we entered the Box space at Lincoln Center and models in vivid geometric prints and neon pops of color stood along the periphery of the room.

What we saw:
Jumpsuits with sexy, braided, cut-out backs and sheer tunics in vivid peacock colors. Lots of fun, boho patterns, a collage of abstract tribal prints that were vivid and fearless in its display of contrasting colors. Many of the patterns were designed in-house, such as Woodcut (white with wood cut design in brown and blue), Huipil (geometric dots with bright orange and purple colorways) and Techno Animal (bright colorful animals).

The sheer trend was still going strong with drapey shirts  worn over solid colored bralets and long floaty chiffon pants with shorts underneath. Another trend that was well interpreted were the amazing hair braids intertwined with bands of cloth  (less Heidi, more African desert goddess) which looked beautifully regal.

Her collection is vivid and pretty fierce, but what I really like is that it does not lose any of its softness, which may sound like a contradiction (and it is) but works on a level that seems individually like Mara Hoffman– a kind of bohemian romanticism with an exotic, sultry bloom.

– Jeanie Kwak

photos: Stevyn Llewellyn