Long known for creating breathtakingly beautiful evening gowns, Marchesa designers Keren Craig and Georgina Chapman surpassed their own lofty standards with a dazzling fall collection based on the storied paintings of renowned artist John Singer Sargent.
Unveiling the collection at Skylight Moynihan Station during New York Fashion Week, they aimed to have each of their 36 models look like a queenly Sargent portrait — one even sported a tiara with her royal blue organza gown embroidered in gold 3D florals, looking like a young Queen Elizabeth.
The frothy collection of cocktail dresses and evening gowns, which will be available at Elizabeth Anthony, features cascading golden lace, majestic bugle beading and jeweled necklines with rich brocade-like golden threadwork. The bodice of a few gowns resembles a jewelry collection with strands of black diamonds, opal crystals and pearls.
Also inspired by Highgrove Gardens in London, the British designers incorporated hand-embroidered 3D florals, laser-cut organza flowers and marabou feathers dipped in duck egg blues into their designs. Just as embellished are the shoes emblazoned with hand-carved floral buckles and antique gold Chantilly lace from the designers' fall collection.
Although some over-the-top gowns have an excessive Marie Antoinette quality, it's special occasion dressing at its best — and it won't be surprising if some of the glorious looks show up on the red carpet at Sunday's Oscars.
Marchesa designers Keren Craig and Georgina Chapman.
