NYFW FW 2013//Snippets from Malandrino.

NYFW SS 2012// Marchesa

The last day of my Fashion Week frenzy was dedicated to Marchesa.  It was by far the most extravagant and stressful backstage experience.  The backstage area took up the entire Terrace Room and the show took place in the ornate Palm Court in the Plaza Hotel.  Dresses whisked into the venue a mere hour and a half before the show started.  Seamstresses sewed girls into glittering gowns made from hundreds of delicate beaded silver strands.  Glamourous for sure, any Disney princess would be jealous of these royalty worthy concoctions.

Rather than retell the boring details of wrangling wandering models and ironing random CEO’s shirt…I’d rather name drop.  Courtney Love, Camilla Belle, Michelle Trachtenberg, Selita Ebanks, Kelly Osbourne, and Rachel Zoe to name a few celebs that popped backstage after the show…and Marchesa went all out on casting models as well.  Karolina Kurkova, Charlotte Free, Karen Elson…

Marchesa’s first runway show was a big fucking deal.

I want to keep things short so here are some reasons why I think Marchesa was an all around success this season (besides the fairy tale gowns):

1. Clean, fresh dewy face.  A natural, no makeup look was the perfect choice to balance the delicate, but extravagant dresses and gowns.  Karen and Karolina have never looked more ethereal and beautiful.
2. Charlotte Free.  Pink haired goth model.  There will be a post later on about her.  Obsessed.
3. The slick ponytail with fishtail braiding detail is really modern and cool.  Again, a great simple balance to the intricately embroidered gowns.
4. Runway maze.  Yes, the girls waltzed through a maze of chairs, set up in a way that makes the show more intimate than any other show I’ve seen.  Plush carpet and enormous stained-glass lay light, the Palm Court of the Plaza Hotel is a dream.  Come on, Great Gatsby referenced this place?  Awesome.

Things I weren’t too crazy about?  Stick-on thongs and the 50 lb. evening clutches.  A little over the top.  Unless those clutches were enchanted with an Undetectable Extension Charm, there was no reason for it to be that heavy.  Oh and I wasn’t too crazy about the Louboutin wedges chosen for the collection.  A bit too clunky for the looks.  And drab.  I’m a strong advocate of a strong shoe, no matter what the outfit.  But that’s just me.

I’m not usually a big fan of their voluminous chiffon origami (there are a few numbers that still cling to that look), but this first runway show really revealed a devastatingly beautiful silhouette and technique.  The barely-there chiffon with web-like embroidering in all the right places, creates this intensely sensuous yet regal combination.  I know this collection was inspired in part by the sea reflected beautifully in the movement and iridescent richness of the materials, but really, the dresses exude the forbidden sexuality of virgin royalty.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my delayed update on my NYFW.  Can’t wait till the next season!  Hopefully, I’ll get to actually see watch one next time…

Backstage at Marchesa Spring/Summer 2012

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Some pretty princess dresses for that Oscar party you were invited to…

This is what Juliet wore when Romeo was serenading her below her balcony.  Definitely a run-through-your-castle look.