Catherine Malandrino recently swept through Houston to show an edited capsule of her fall collection at Neiman Marcus. I wasn't sure what to expect when I headed to the St. Regis to meet her. I knew she was a New Yorker, imported from France, with an Italian last name. (What a combination!) I also knew that she is talented because I've always been a fan of her contemporary styles.
Malandrino believes her clients are strong, confident women who like to look urban but feel feminine. Her disciplines are French as she was trained by some of the best (Ungaro and Feraud). But her heart comes from her Mediterranean roots, an influence she feels gives her an affinity to warm colors to complete the mix within her collection.
An urban clothing line that is not all black and grey. Imagine that!
Her show featured many of the season’s hottest trends: Lots of leggings, soft knits with details galore, leather jackets, great white shirts and many of her fab chunky accessories. Her salute to “New York/Paris Rock” left the audience longing for more.
During the interview, I discovered it was Malandrino's first trip to Texas. When we spoke, she had only seen airport shops and the inside of the hotel, but she had already sized up Texas women.
Q: What is your impression of the Texas woman?
A: The Texas woman is very, very feminine, which I would expect because they are a nice complement to the Texas man, who appears to be so strong. I know that the women here love color and wear a lot of it.
Q: If I were to pick one style in your most recent collection to buy, what would that one be?
A: Oh, it’s difficult to pick. It would have to be this leather trench coat that I am wearing today. It is one of my favorites.
Q: I read that you were included in a book about Michelle Obama, Michelle Style. Have you designed for the First Lady and if so, what? Was it sleeveless to show off those great arms?
A: Michelle Obama is a great example to me of the modern woman. Like my clients, she is very much an individual and a confident woman. The dress I designed for her was not sleeveless; it actually had little cap sleeves, a deep V neck, but not too deep, with a '40s style elegance. It was in a silvery blue satin.
Q: What have you done in these difficult economic times to encourage shoppers to buy your collection?
A: I believe the industry was becoming too “boujois” — or comfortable. That’s how we say BLAH in French. Women of today are searching for a new start, a rebirth. I have always approached my collection with the idea that the price has to be right for the customer in mind. Clothing also needs harmony and balance as well as price. That is true value. And, yes, I am feeling very optimistic.
Q: You have a history of fashion experience in France and came to the States to start your own business. How do you feel the business has changed since you began?
A: I have been my own designer for 12 years now. Before that I was working in Paris. Back then, all fashion was just about Paris. Now it has become all about New York!
Roz Pactor is editor ofThe Chic Sheet Blog.
