NYFW

I know it's late, but prepping for market week leaves me little time to do anything else but work and sleep. I've been in such a daze trying to keep up with the beat of the latest coverage to hit the surface that I haven't actually sat down and reflected on what we've seen these past few days.. I guess I'll try to do that now.

Last Friday, I had the opportunity to attend the Christian Siriano show at the Promenade tent. The winner of the fourth season of Project Runway, Siriano has shown 4 collections to date. The aesthetic of his previous collections is undeniably chic, the clothes well-tailored for a strong, sophisticated woman. Siriano enjoys mixing materials and textures, and infusing pop colors into an otherwise neutral palette.

The messages of his Fall 2010 line were no different; models strolled the runway in structured suits with defined shoulders and nipped in waists. The most notable one featured a beautifully pebbled leather jacket paired with a wool skirt.

The first few looks of his collection were dedicated to outerwear; in truth, I wasn't crazy about them. The chevron coats and jackets, though well cut and flattering, would have been better in just about any other print....




I did, however, love the sheath dresses he did, including this metallic tweed one.
Metallics were a reoccuring theme in the show, done in a range of materials including tweed, brocade, and silk chiffon, and incorporated into dark, mostly black outfits to add gleam. While the first few handfuls of looks were done in black and gray, the second half of the show gave way to gorgeous, satin and silk chiffon gowns in deep hues - slate, fuschia, royal blue and wine. I particularly loved this royal blue one shouldered dress:


The crowd went nuts for this final number:



Each of the 36 looks in his line demonstrated Siriano's craftsmanship; however, the collection lacked coherence. The first half of the show might as well have been a separate entity from the second half; it just didn't seem to mesh. Outerwear in masculine chevron in dreary grays, and then ruffled, hot pink gowns? Siriano failed to communicate a single, unified message. Though he's certainly got talent, it is clear he is still a neophyte with room to improve in his future collections. Yet, given that he's only 24, I GUESS I could cut him some slack...

*Photos courtesy of NYMag