Elene Cassis, you had me at pretty girl with an electric pink violin.
You couldn’t ask for a more entertaining and àpropos way to end Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2012. Violinist Sarah Charness opened the show with a spirited rendition of Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake that, much like the protagonists in the legendary ballet, metamorphosed into something completely new. The Studio filled with the familiar score underlined by a modern techno-lounge baseline just as the first model began her strut down the runway.
With such a anticipatory buildup, one could only hope that Cassis would deliver garments as timeless as the tragic story of the white swan; she did not disappoint. Luxurious silk dupioni, silk jacquard and tweed were rendered into classic sheath dress and pencil skirt silhouettes. Elegant, feminine, confident and clean are the best adjectives to describe the collection in its entirety.
Contrary to other presentations I’ve seen this week, color was the focus not an afterthought. Cassis’ coral, powder blue and canary palette dominated the collection instead of taking a backseat to an array of ivory, beige, taupe, black and gray. Her use of neutrals was strategic and successfully added depth and accessibility to an already extremely sellable collection. Textural accents and modern accessories completed the looks, effectively updating the 1960’s contours into current interpretations of the traditional shapes and styles. Color blocking, whimsical winged collars, graphic prints and appliqued ribbons and bows were details that solidified the sense of lady-like sophistication so thematic throughout the show. The standout for me was the coral, high-collar, A-Line minidress accessorized with an ecru python clutch detailed with chartreuse suede; matching patent leather ecru platform pumps and black enamel bangles finish the look.
Elene Cassis presented a bold, confident vision of female empowerment and style for Spring 2012; a must-have line for ladies with a penchant for refinement and understated chic.
As Fashion Week draws to a close I can’t help but feel mixed emotions. There’s an aura of completion in the air, a sense of closure that straddles the line between melancholy and relief. For one week, every six months, Manhattan transforms into this style obsessed island (more so than usual) teeming with the world’s fashion élite. They zip from venue to venue and from hotspot to boutique hotel at the speed of Midtown traffic all the while uploading photos, videos and reviews, instantly accessible by the masses. As a Visual Merchandising, Marketing & PR professional I revel in the images and ideas that spring from the designer’s efforts each season and while this was certainly not my first Fashion Week, each season as I move past security into the tents I’m surprised by the realization that I still experience a sense of awe an appreciation for the event and the industry. I’m leaving Lincoln Center for the last time this year feeling inspired, renewed and exhausted.
Over the years a quote from Edna Woolman Chase has become my personal motto and it continues to hold true. In closing I’ll leave you with her words,
“Fashion can be bought but style one must possess.”
