Monique's Color Riot

Monique Lhuillier's color riot: Fresh collection features bold shades and bright florals

NEW YORK — Next spring is shaping up to be one of the brightest fashion seasons on record. Just about every designer is showing bold colors and bright florals — the kinds of clothes that customers love, particularly in a Sunbelt city like Houston.

But probably no designer is getting with the program more than Monique Lhuillier, whose spring 2016 collection is a riot of color and her freshest in a while.

As a contemporary art fan thrilled with the opening of The Broad Museum in her hometown of Los Angeles, Lhuillier told reporters she was inspired by artist Ellsworth Kelly — "especially the vibrant colors in his prints. I also wanted to get everything closer to the body."

The influence shows in her first look — a sleeveless emerald-green silk gazar mini shift with a jeweled floral neckline — and continues with flowing gowns in strawberry red, guipure lace tops in cobalt blue, smart coats in lipstick pink, and fitted strapless dresses in spring green.

Interspersed are coats, dresses and gowns in a a Monet floral print, along with a few more subtle black and white looks at the end that pale by comparison with the colorful counterparts.

Particularly striking are a pair of royal blue cigarette pants with a cerulean strapless top and train, and a similarly structured gown with an orange column skirt and tomato red strapless top and train.

Lhuiller is a relatively new entrant into the footwear market in only her second season, but her shoes for this collection were just as colorful as the clothes, with satin heels in candy colors — some accented with sing matte rubberized leather.

Lhuillier will be the featured designer at the Catwalk for A Cure gala and runway show November 5 at The Astorian.

Monique Lhuillier flowing evening gown in floral print.

Monique Lhuillier spring 2016 collection Look 24

Photo courtesy of Monique Lhuillier

Monique Lhuillier flowing evening gown in floral print.

new-york-fashion-week

TEXAS TREASURES

Iconic Texas brands James Avery and Consuela unveil handcrafted collab

Photo courtesy of Consuela

The Consuela x James Avery collection features jewelry, handbags, and accessories inspired by creativity and craftsmanship.

Two of Texas's most popular lifestyle brands have teamed up for a new collaboration that combines fashion, art, and craftsmanship. Consuela and James Avery Artisan Jewelry have joined forces for the first time to create a collection of jewelry charms, handbags, and accessories.

Both brands share storied roots in handcrafted design and a focus on personal expression. The collaboration shows their dedication to creating pieces that inspire self-expression, while also carrying a personal meaning.

Consuela founder, CEO, and chief creative officer Conni Reed says the brand's designs always begin with art rather than trends or themes. "Through our Art of the Unmatched design philosophy, we create layered stories of texture, color, pattern, and iconography shaped by curiosity, craft, and soul. Growing up in Texas, James Avery has always been close to my heart and part of my life story. Collaborating with a brand that shares our love for meaningful, handcrafted design and seeing Consuela's spirit captured in James Avery jewelry is truly an honor and a dream come true."

Consuela x James Avery The jewelry collection includes sterling silver and enamel charms featuring Consuela’s signature motifs.Photo courtesy of Consuela

The James Avery x Consuela jewelry collection reinterprets Consuela's signature designs as detailed sterling silver and enamel charms. The pieces include a miniature version of the bestselling Consuela Classic Tote, complete with a tiny sunflower bag charm, and an alphabet of letter charms inspired by Consuela's embroidered felt bag charms. Reed also curated a selection of her favorite James Avery pieces, which will be available alongside the collection at all Consuela retail stores and online.

The handbag and accessories line introduces new designs featuring Consuela's signature ConsuelaCloth, known for its durability and bold colors. A signature "Avery" print appears on Consuela's Classic Tote, Downtown and Uptown Crossbody bags, and Jewelry Keeper.

Karina Dolgin, James Avery's chief product and revenue officer, says the collaboration represents shared values. "James Avery and Consuela are rooted in community, craft, and respect for the artisans who bring our visions to life. We're united by our commitment to thoughtful design and authentic storytelling."

Consuela x James Avery The collection also includes James Avery’s popular motifs, including the Wild Sunflower and Mariposa, are reimagined as handcrafted handbag charms.Photo courtesy of Consuela

Some of James Avery's most popular jewelry styles, including the Wild Sunflower, Festive Turtle, Mariposa, and Margarita Cross, have also been transformed into handcrafted handbag charms made in Mexico from wood, papier-mâché, and textiles.

The Consuela x James Avery collaboration launches October 6, online at consuelastyle.com and jamesavery.com, as well as in Consuela's three boutiques and select James Avery retail locations. Prices range from $19 to $175 for Consuela handbags and bag charms, and $79 to $89 for James Avery jewelry charms.

Photo courtesy of Consuela

The Consuela x James Avery collection features jewelry, handbags, and accessories inspired by creativity and craftsmanship.

james avery consuela james avery x consuela shopping