Marchesa designers Keren Craig and Georgina Chapman always have a flair for the dramatic. The British duo has quickly earned a reputation for creating heavily-embellished show-stopping evening gowns that are favorites on the red carpet and at society galas.
Their spring 2017 collection, which debuted at New York Fashion Week and will be available at Elizabeth Anthony, still has plenty of pizzazz, but it's also got a softer tone. The collection leads off with fitted gowns in rainbow cellophane-like tulle, glassy-looking organza and iridescent lace that have a lighter-than-air feeling.
In their program notes, the duo said they drew "inspiration and beauty from sunrise to twilight." And, indeed, the collection of party dresses and evening gowns goes from day to night in attitude and execution.
It starts with lighter-toned shades to signify morning before mixing in petal embroidery and 3-D sequined florals to reflect the softness of midday skies amid garden surroundings. Draped Grecian gowns of ombre chiffon and transparent tulle tiered multicolor dresses signal the changing colors of sunset. And starry, celestial-inspired gowns in gold, silver, and midnight blue reflect the serenity of night.
While the collection has a fairy-tale quality, with some dreamy gowns that look made for a sexy Disney princess, others, like a one-shoulder Grecian gowns in gold metallic or deep black and a strap column gown of smoky blue illusion tulle, reflect a totally glamorous, more modern attitude.
Taking it all in was an eclectic mix of celebrities on the front row, including Courtney Love, newly married Jerry Hall Murdoch, The Vampire Diaries star Nina Dobrev, models Karolina Kurkova and Coco Rocha, Project Runway All-Stars host Alyssa Milano and Homeland actress Nazanin Boniadi.
Marchesa fit-and-flare halter neck gown in pastel rainbow tulle and delicate satin ribbon details on bodice.
