I knew that this day I couldn’t do that many shows, because I had to go to a good friend’s wedding in Brooklyn at 5.30 PM but by all means I wouldn’t skip my favorite ones, and some of the most coveted shows of the week.
At 10 AM I attended the much anticipated Lacoste show, very much elevated by the unrivaled talent of its creative director – designer Felipe Oliveira Baptista – in experimenting with sportswear with an approach similar to that one in Haute Couture. A catwalk decorated with real sails gave us the first hint at an inspiration from the world of yachting; the story behind it being two special edition boats (L42 and L36) designed by Lacoste in 1985. Those unique models combined comfort, style, and performance; the brand’s core values, according to René Lacoste. Functional chic is the general idea further elaborated with textile innovation related to yachting and new-age silhouettes building up the coolest urban wardrobe in blue, white, red, yellow, orange, lilac, pale mint, grey, and deep purple. The patchwork of materials, lines and colors, the smart juxtaposition of contrasts, and the close-fitted or subtly oversized volumes were key elements to the collection. Through an extensive research to the nautical heritage of the brand, Felipe came up with some incredible fisherman smocks, and outfits graced by thoughtful asymmetrical constructions, double-faced fabrics and certain innovations such as adjustable straps, suspenders, and belts, nautical stripes that are knitted from two threads or appliqué lace, a backpack that can be worn as tote, the LS. 12 which is a real tennis shoe reedited in leather, and aviator-style sunnies with changeable lenses.
Thankfully the whole day went inside Lincoln Center, later at the Lie Sangbong show that created for us a dreamy setting dominated by a unique runway installation by Korean sculptor Jang Seung Hyo, made of 1,188 glass tiles featuring collage of visuals from the Lie Sangbong archives. The colorful glossy patchwork floor, with depictions that continued to the walls, looked like a floral heaven; the ideal background for a collection called Dream Road. This unbelievable hologram jacquard was further translated in architectural silhouettes with a rare balance between delicate structure and movement. There was beauty and optimism in this collection; the idea that it is from hardship that we derive strength and hope – quite related to a recent maritime disaster in South Korea. We could see all these complex emotions through the signature butterfly, floral, and cloud motifs, the X-shaped jackets and dresses that resembled butterfly wings, the ethereal pleating and the charming shades of white, turquoise, cobalt, and purple. The imaginative designer put a joyful message across!
My final show for the day was the Hervé Leger which was packed and crowded by the most beautiful women on earth; some of them with the bodies that can really adopt the sexy bandage dresses of the brand. The bodycon dresses of the house once again dominated the catwalk on super-hot girls walking through luminous upright panels. This time the designer duo was inspired by warriors, creating powerful glamazons in a rich sunset palette. Some of the motifs were art deco while others could be called ethnic. There was lots of figure-flattering geometry there!
Right after this glittering show I had to get transformed into a glam lady myself for the Brooklyn wedding I’ve already told you about, since the dress code was sparkly Art Deco black-tie in platinum and black! I accessorized my Mikael Aghal sequined dress with much-required silver T-bar dancing shoes by Fendi, and made it to the ceremony on time. The setting was majestic; a beautiful decked terrace overlooking the industrial landscape of the region, decorated with tasteful floral arrangements and neo-romantic furniture. The couple’s house was all accessible by the elegant guests, each one giving their own interpretation of the dress code; women with dresses in a variety of lengths, and men in different versions of the black-tie. The bride wore a gorgeous Jenny Packham wedding gown and the groom was dressed in custom-made Ralph Lauren. The night was full of surprises; the very best being a wonderful live music band preceding the dj set that brought all of us on stage! It was an amazing experience; emotional and fun, and above all, graced by the couple’s love! Once again I wish them lots of happiness!!!
xxx
Elena Sendona
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