MICHAEL KORS made his rivals see green yesterday – and not just because he landed superstars Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas for his front row.
Unlike most designers – who excel in either casual elegance or dress-up chic – Kors unveiled a rare collection chock full of savvy looks for both day and night when he sent 63 outfits, covering every possible what-to-wear occasion, down the runway.
As if to underscore his flexibility, the wardrobe guru of the international jet set used a camouflage print for multiple looks – a maillot-style swimsuit, crushed-metallic cotton trousers, a silk georgette skirt, a mink-lined Balmacaan coat and a strapless evening dress – with terrific success.
Highlights of the Southwestern rustic-romance themed line, which was stamped with Kors’ indelible brand of nonchalant elegance, included a metallic crushed-linen cropped blazer, worn over a heather cotton tank and paired with a flouncy beaded chantilly-lace tiered skirt.
An orange whip-stitched cashmere tunic, shown alone but the perfect topper for white pants, was just one of Kors’ looks that is bound to be ripped off by trend-savvy stores like Zara and Banana Republic.
Meanwhile, Cynthia Rowley previewed her collection downtown. At a time when designers can’t stop putting ruffles and bows on their clothes – a signature of past Rowley collections – her decision to take a more minimal approach was daring, and inspired. Using a largely black and white palette, Rowley created standouts, including a cotton half dirndl dress, a high-waisted silk slipdress dress with a Lucite halter-neck, an amber ultrasuede tulip dress topped with a two-tone bucket hat, and our favorite: a slinky silk jersey dress with “quick release,” ribbon bow-tie straps.
Hippie-chic was the vibe at Anna Sui’s jampacked runway presentation later last night.
Against a magical garden backdrop, Sui used exceptionally pretty prints – like cheery and parasol florals, butterflies, rose dots, daisies and peonies – as the basis for a wide array of dresses made from crushed silk and crinkled or satin chiffons.
Details, like fluttering short sleeves, handkerchief and scallop hems, gave the breezy dresses a twist of sophistication.
Former Harper’s Bazaar editor Thakoon Panichgul proved his decision to leave the magazine and follow his dream of becoming a designer was an excellent one when he previewed his Spring/Summer 2006 collection before a standing-room only audience downtown.
The young designer, whose modern, minimal style is generating a cult following, is regarded as one of Seventh Avenue’s top potential talents.
Previewing an impressive 33 looks, Thakoon mixed his signature tomboy tailoring with romantic, light-handed detailing.
He showed a savvy selection of high-waisted, cotton twill pinafores, silk gingham ruffle-edged shorts, and metallic crop-circle skirts. But the showstopper was a series of silk chiffon shirts with decorative necklines, balloon sleeves and ruffled hems.
Fashion Week continues today with hot shots like Vera Wang, Calvin Klein and Zac Posen.
Additional reporting by Lisa Marsh & Prue Lewington