THE RIGHT WOMEN HAVE SOMETHING TO WANT
Wednesday, June 9th
Garment District, NYC
Words, Images Judith Ecochard
Douglas Hannant knows his customer. Much like the legendary fashion icon Bill Blass, this veteran delivers again, and again the updated chic classics---elegant separates, gowns and dresses that his clientele will ooh and ah…
…And happily buy without the consumer guilt that seems to get written about all the time. (Enough).
For this luxurious collection, Hannant was inspired by a rich “gypsy” style.
The nano second we walked in… the saturated colors of the clothes, simply hung on hangers--- conjured up the deep blue Mediterranean, the turquoise tranquility of the Caribbean waters, the lush greens of the tropics, and fragile corals. Simply transporting…but yes…this is RESORT.
Exotic embellishments of sparkling beads and jewels adorned hems, necklines and entire bodices…sexy bold but never vulgar. Hannant doesn’t do vulgar.
And we were reminded of one of our favorite designers- the under rated Christian Lacroix.
The winner for us? The Red Carpet black/white print bustle like gown with a black silk kick pleat in geometric cutouts and lace-y attachments. WOW! The contrast of the delicate and solid textures was astonishing. No wonder all the men present wanted to pose with the model that graciously strolled the atelier, ready for her Oscar. (Image above)
The signature sloping waist defined several outfits--- all gloriously reinterpreted in different fabrics…sensuous silks, refined linens, and beautiful satins…in sleeveless and cap sleeves frocks.
We wanted it all.
Major kudos for the ‘second’ line Insignia
(priced in the affordable designer range $300-$1000) too. The silhouettes are sophisticated-caftans, sheaths, etc…but tailored out of fabrics that allow for lower price points.
RETAIL: DOUGLAS HANNANT
