By the time you read this, the fashion flock will have landed in Paris for the last leg in the biannual spectacle that is fashion month. Undoubtedly, you will have already perused the season’s first offerings, read countless show reviews and maybe, if you’re capable of putting on social media blinders, come through the process relatively unscathed with some opinions of your own. There is, after all, something to be said for hindsight.
Reflecting on the week (ok, let’s be honest, despite rumored scaling back, more than a few rogue presentations tipped the scale well overseven days), the standout moments, while rather grand in scale, were few and far between. After several seasons of cost cutting measures (farewell engraved and hand-calligraphed invitations), and new approaches to the retail models (see now, by now, and Instagram presentations) a handful of designers pulled out all the stops — and cash — to put on shows that editors are still buzzing about.
German-born, Milan-based Philipp Plein staged his second Big Apple show in a packed Hammerstein Ballroom. After a 20-minute strip tease by the one-and-only Dita Von Teese (no close-up pics allowed, folks!), Plein sent out a parade of models including Adriana Lima and Irina Shayk, in bondage-inspired looks. Their best accessories? The five-foot long braids that doubled as whips, a live performance by rapper Future and about a dozen exotic dancers grinding on the scaffolding. Plein’s show, whether intentional or not, clashed with Alexander Wang’s Brooklyn extravaganza. But even with Nikki Minaj in the house for the after party, there were more than a few rumbles about making the late night trek to Brooklyn. Which begs the question: Does it matter whether the clothes were memorable if your brand’s name is on the tip of the fashion world’s tongue?
Eminence grise Ralph Lauren wrapped things up on a rather civilized note, hosting a black tie affair in his Bedford, New York garage among his priceless collection of rare automobiles. Among the refreshing, sexed-up (think Prince of Wales check bustiers) riffs on suiting were slick evening numbers that included a red tulle ballgown with a patent bodice as slick as the body of Lauren’s Ferraris. What was perhaps less civilized was the 3-hour round trip trek out of the city for already weary editors, many of whom were bound for Europe the following day.
Lest we end on a less-than-stellar note, have faith that London did not disappoint in its consistent delivery of fresh talent. More to come in our recap from across the pond!
