While I thought I was sitting in a marginally lit tent in New York, the veil was dropped when the models stormed the stage during the Mara Hoffman show. Unbeknownst to me, I’d been transported to an exclusive part of the Mojave desert with a very strict (and pricey) dress code. The presentation opened with a black and white mosaic tunic with a casual pant to match. Models for the first of the show were paired with a low heel black pump, which appeared at times distracting due to their quality.
Delving deeper in the show, all the model were treated to golden tipped braids as they revealed more of the Hoffman collection. The cropped top and skirt duo seamlessly complemented the show opener, as bursts of bold colors, patterns, emerged from behind the tent walls. Pantone color of the year, radiant orchid (and variations of the hue) weaved in and out of the Parson graduate’s more captivating pieces. After several form accentuating ensembles of silk textured turquoise, royal blue, and orchid flashed the audience, more embellished pieces became the trend for Ms. Hoffman’s production.
A quarter of the way into the show, sequin outfits flowed without abandon on the Mercedes Benz stage. The first three pieces that initiated the parade of sequin dueled being admired for its craftsmanship and polarized for it gaudiness. As Mara Hoffman’s show progressed we being to see a plethora of cream and browns, intermittently splashed with the staring colors of orchid, black and blues. The twin camel sweater was a bittersweet experience which made what followed to be a welcomed reprieve. Ironically, it was Hoffman’s all black and predominately black efforts at the end of the show that stood out within the sea of colors and sequin. These pieces we are a sensual blend of culture, style and creativity, not necessarily void in the other components of the collection but more apparent in the previously mentioned.
It was a sometimes warm and shimmering production, other times, cold and direct, either way it was a journey that inspired substantive conversation. Isn’t this what is demanded from fashion?
