February 10, 2011
It’s been years since Christian Siriano won Project Runway, and many questioned if he could deliver another solid collection. For Fall 2011 Siriano started off safe with black chiffon skirts and structured double-breasted jackets, punctuated by hoofed-toe Christian Siriano for Payless platforms. Though unremarkable at first blush, the collection eventually bloomed into more skilled territory with chiffon trapeze gowns with pleated bodices. Though we try, we can’t deny Siriano’s ability—or appeal. Of Siriano Gabrielle Union said, “You meet a lot of designers and you don’t get them. He’s a nice guy who happens to be freakishly talented…I appreciate that.”
BCBG Max Azria
February 10, 2011
Max and Lubova Azria of BCBG Max Azria stuck with their signature simplicity for Fall 2011 with relaxed cardigans, easy flowing skirts, and whisper thin cotton turtlenecks in subdued neutrals, accented by flashes of celery, mustard, candy apple red, and majorelle blue. The collection seemed perfectly pegged for a fall weekend outing for a stylish girl, whose priorities are comfort and understated elegance over ‘look-at-me’ luxe. No wonder, then, that front row attendees Ashanti, Taraji P. Henson, Garcelle Beauvais, and Kelly Rowland all seemed to nod and clap in approval. The collection was conceived for the discreet yet indisputably chic.
Luca Luca
February 10, 2011
It was a retro revival at the Luca Luca show with a collection seemingly inspired by 70’s era working women. Silk crepe layered blouses, smart textured pencil skirts, and airy silk georgette draped sheaths pumped alongside tassled suede boots with bright gold buckles and large gold statement necklaces. Corporate attire gave way to evening wear, with leaf prints once spied on tie-neck blouses reappearing on luxurious floor sweeping gowns. A few pieces to look out for next fall: fur trimmed moss green leather capes; a strawberry jam silk shift; and an orange stripped fox jacket worn with fuchsia riding pants.
