St Regis Hotel, NYC February 2010
Words, Images Judith Ecochard
Trudging through the slushy snow en route to the Fall/Winter Presentation of made to measure clothier (and RTW) designer Norman Ambrose, we felt protected from the weather, but immensely under-dressed.
As we remembered from the Spring 2010, this luxurious label, made with old school/ French couture techniques, elegant fabrics, and high-end, hard to source embellishments…is a testament to women who know the difference between any pricey off the rack garment made somewhere else, versus clothes carefully crafted under the watchful eyes of a New York production house--- right near a Big Apple showroom.
For this outting, Norman Ambrose is inspired by the glorious French ship===the Normandy ocean liner…”a romantic moment in time.”
Indeed, we could picture a woman making her grand entrance, descending a staircase in the feathery organza gown…that required hours of hand dying to get just right.
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Other silhouettes made to perfection with hand stitched and hand embroidered flourishes--- include a lovely cowl draped gray dress, a chic dropped waist frock with a great buckle, and a stunning in its simplicity--- draped jersey dress in a metallic chocolate brown.
Or: daywear done right.
The entire collection “has a town and country aspect,” colorwise…according to Ambrose…with pieces in natural colors like bay leaf, chocolate brown, and rust …and a deep charcoal black for urban surrounds.
“It’s the idea of taking into account country and city living---with a lot of mixing for Fall/Winter. I felt strongly about texture too.” (As in brushed mohair, silk organza, reversible mink, tweeds…
WHAT ELSE:
We always get a lesson in workmanship at a Norman Ambrose presentation---with all beading done by hand, mother of pearl buttons, and “…in an old world way, we are all about service.”
Plus…we loved how the entire collection of luxe garments really worked together, editorially speaking.
SMART:
Norman Ambrose welcomes all women, old and with a youthful bent…with special fittings and custom sizes.
INFO: NORMAN AMBROSE
Also available at Neiman Marcus Couture Salons