NEW YORK — Unless you on are the front row at a fashion show, it's often hard to get the full impact of a designer creation. But Marchesa's Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig solved that problem in a couple of ways. They showcased their opulent fall collection at the posh St. Regis Hotel in narrow rooms that only hold two rows of chairs, so that just about everyone had a good view.
Indeed, the back is the new body part for fall (better get to the gym and work those lats) and no one showcased it better than the Marchesa duo.
And, they created a collection that looked just as good — if not better — when the model walked the other way. Just about every gown was marked with exquisite beading, gold leaf embroidery or silk ribbons along an (often-exposed) back, making the design a work of art coming and going.
Indeed, the back is the new body part for fall (better get to the gym and work those lats) and no one showcased it better than the Marchesa duo.
Inspired by "Opium Dreams," the designers went literal, with vibrant poppies in a 3-D organza gown, attached to the shoulders of a fringe party dress or in glittery appliques and floral embroideries. It made one wonder, what have they been smoking? And can I have some?
The collection, which will be available at Elizabeth Anthony, also echoed images from The Great Gatsby, with flapper-ready evening wear dripping in crystal embroidery, clouds of tulle and ostrich feather fringe and ruffles. The models even sported crimped hairstyles of the roaring '20s.
It all had a glamorous, decadent feel, depicting the carefree world of the affluent elite who just want to have fun. The sparkling collection should get noticed among the Houston society set, particularly those who believe, when it comes to evening gowns, nothing succeeds like excess.
Coming and going at Marchesa: foreground, blood red 3D feather flower embroidered top and crepe slacks; background, black fringe gown with red poppy floral detail.
