Bibhu Mohapatra’s Fall-Winter 2009 presentation was the first I saw this spring, and quite a nice segue into fashion week, I may add. Held at the Bryant Park Hotel on Thursday, February 12th, while the tents outside were still being rigged, Mohapatra’s luxurious, sophisticated, and glamorous garments set an immediate standard for the rest of fashion week. The presentation was tantalizingly tactile, incorporating such diverse materials as silk, sequins, fur, lace, leather and a variety of thick, woven fabrics, not to mention the techniques of pleating, draping, tucking, belting, and sculpting. Essentially, it was all I could do not to jump up on the platform, bury my head in a model’s gray, cinema-star fur coat, and get myself unceremoniously booted out. But I’m glad I managed to resist, because I got to see the entire collection unfold in front of me in all of its 1930s evening wear, Japanese kimono, biker, and insect-inspired glory. (If you think I’m exaggerating check out the pictures!)
Freida Pinto, from Slum Dog Millionaire, looks absolutely stunning in this one shouldered, beaded blue gown.
Who would have ever guessed that the stunning Taraji P. Henson played Brad Pitt’s Mother in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button? Her vintage Fred Leighton jewels are stunninh, not to mention the filmy white gown!
Loved the elegant petal layers of Miley Cyrus’ gown – very grown up and sophisticated.
Angelina Jolie looks perfect in this classic silhouette, slight reminiscent of bombshell Jessica Rabbit (in a good way).
Kate Winslet always hits it out of the ballpark, especially in this gradient gown.
It absolutely looks like this amazingly draped Versace gown was made for Maria Tomei!
SJP looks like a fairytale princess!
Kudos to Beyonce for wearing a print and showing off her curves.
Best Supporting Actress Penelope Cruz looks certainly like an award-winner in this fabulous gown; cream or white seems the way to go for the Oscars!
I ended up with a bad cold, so please forgive me for the dealy in fashion week recaps!
Richard Chai (Womens):
Fur’s the word at Richard Chai this season, although he still knows how to make a mean print work in a variety of ways.
Mackage:
True to their heritage, Mackage stayed focused with absolutely incredible jackets — I would be glad to wear every single one of them – leather bombers, parkas, long wool cream overcoats- you name it!
Milly:
Milly designer Michelle Smith runs the lbd department for fall 2009 — seriously, and that’s a good thing.
Marchesa:
A true fantasy in eveningwear, 100% red carpet-worthy, and I’m sure to see a few of them tonight at the Oscars
3.1 Phillip Lim:
The ’60s inspiration was quite evident; the coats were quite exquisite.
Proenza Schouler:
These boys can do no wrong; McCollough and Hernandez sent out a bevy of coats, tweeds and dresses without forgoing their signature, accentuated modern bustier silhouette.
W
