Cesar Galindo captivated his audience with a stunning show filled with fantasy and drama. His futuristic yet fun pieces include multi-layers of textures and fabrics- from matte to high shines, metals to stones, silk to wovens. Wavy cowl necks and exquisitely designed gowns are consistent in Galindo’s collection. As a native Texan as well, I am glad that Cesar Galindo is here in New York doing us proud.
-Monica Lo
Photos © Rachel Rozzi, Stevyn Llewellyn 2009
For Spring/Summer 2010, Michael Angel drew his inspirations from many sides. Strong influential women with personal style like Elsa Schiaparelli, Nancy Cunard and Josephine Baker. The great Christian Dior and his revolutionary “New Look”, as well as Dior done by Marc Bowen. All these elements fused together created a collection that was fresh yet opulent, playful and sexy. Feminine silhouettes with softly draped silk and plunging backs were balanced with structured jackets echoing men’s suiting. The color palette was very modern, including neutrals, muted metallics and rich saturated colors. His signature digital, almost futuristic prints were present throughout the whole collection, down to the printed ankle booties and other shoes created by Manolo Blanik. Swarovski crystals were used to add a touch of bling in unexpected places, like zippers, along the princes seams and on the backside of long sheer sleeves. There was also an 80’s vibe with bright chunky earrings and the slicked back ponytails the models wore. The skirts lengths were micro mini, and sometimes asymmetrical, with volume at the hips and nipped at the waist. I particularly enjoyed the party dresses that when looked at closely were actually a bustier top paired with a tulip skirt. I especially loved the closing line in his program “THERE IS FUN TO BE HAD THIS SPRING 2010”, it proclaimed. And yes there is! This season is one of the mot busiest with over 100 shows and presentations, and a worldwide celebration for Fashion’s Night Out. For Spring 2010, recovery is what’s hot! Recession?….sooooo last season!
-Maria Giannakakis
Photos © Olga Lader 2009
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Twinkle by Wenlan showed a dramatic, moving gallery for Spring 2010, incorporating Yoko Ono’s independent spirit with Blondie’s incredible spunk. Signature prints draw me back to the days of studio art lessons, from scrambled Peeled Paint, dreamy Oil and Water swirls and splotches, to razor-sharp graphics in Paradise Etched.
Raw emotions are conveyed with intense pop art hues of coral red and glam hot pink – perfect in all-over solid statement pieces – while subtle yellow blots and watery blue fill the spaces in between. Black & white is still a hit whether in the form of loose fine gauge viscose cardigans or cool silk tucked into cuffed shorts.
The collection’s soft and hard elements make for a “colorful conversation”. Fluid lines and a sweet attitude played well with the “mash up” of acid wash, chunky choker-style necklaces and loud leggings. Billowy tops flow over sleek patterned skinny pants and “thunderbolts” of cutting edge neon charms outline smooth contours in bubble dresses, ruffles and open, exaggerated sleeves. BIG unruly hair, parted sharply down the middle, topped off each look.
– Tiffany Chang
Photos © Sandra Rosales 2009
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The Iodice Spring/Summer 2010 Collection was presented at an intimate setting in a fabulous penthouse suite of the Morgans Hotel. Complimentary champagne, gorgeous models and outdoor garden terraces overlooking the New York skyline were the perfect setting for this sensual and feminine collection. The glamorous and sexy silhouettes personified luxury at first glance. This season was inspired by all things beautiful by the sea like pearls, shells, the movement of sand and seaweed. Maybe you wouldn’t think of seaweed as beautiful, but Iodice made it sexy, (actually, it looked more like snakeskin print. Like I always say, when in doubt throw in some animal print and call it a day). Beautiful high quality embellishments with precious detail added a classy glitz to the monochromatic collection along with statement necklaces and chunky bracelets made of pastel pearls and metallic flowers. The yummy skyscraper high suede shoes were also created by the designer. Creams, and nudes were the dominant color scheme, save for a small mini collection of dresses in navy and red georgette that showcased Iodice’s elegant and fluid drapery technique. Other rich fabrics used included silk jersey and a lightweight lamb suede that almost melted to the touch like butter. This collection was a beautiful harmony between warm, earthy tones accented with cool, breezy, adornments and delicate embellishments. A sexy day at the beach, or if we were in Brazil, everyday. Valdemar Iodice who hails from Sao Paolo has a specific woman in mind. “The Iodice woman”, he says, “is a sophisticated jet-setter, a confident cosmopolitan woman who fuses passion for life with a sense of style”. This family run business started in 1987 and is a well-know brand in his country. Iodice captures the essence of the Brazilian woman, and wouldn’t we all love to be Brazilian? (Adriana Lima, Giselle Bunchen, Alessandra Ambrosio…’nuff said).
– Maria Giannakakis
Photos © Stevyn Llewellyn
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Rad Hourani deems himself as an anti-conformist, a designer that doesn’t follow trends, yet the pieces he creates are at once current and sophisticated. In studying his past collections (he launched his label in 2007), Hourani indeed emphasizes a no-background, no-formatting approach – there is a consistent look across each successive season. Male and female models continue to blur boundaries with his androgynous attitude. Last evening, he presented at the Soho Grand Hotel.
Hourani layers colors and textures in an easy manner, yet the thoughtful details say otherwise. Rips on denim are actually neat slits that can be zippered up. Loosely draped blazers have fitted sleeves that can be pushed up to reveal a tattoo, or drawn down to cover bitten fingernails. Finished hems on loose shorts and skirts offer clean cuts to fluid silhouettes. Leather bags and clutches are the final touch, soft shapes that complement rigid limbs and stiff poses.
The collection can stand out for its structural appeal yet easily blend in to the crowd. It is relevant with a lot of substance, but at the same time the graphic prints and deconstructed tees also convey a youthful recklessness. Colors are mostly muted, save for a dazzling red jacket. All looks were accompanied with the usual sleek hair and polished ankle boots.
– Tiffany Chang
Photos and Video By Stevyn Llewellyn © 2009
