Text and Photos by J. Ecochard
The fashion beacons of light that managed to shine through the zillions of NY Spring 2008 presentations and shows- are buzz magnets of creativity. Ahhhhh…they make us weep with delight.
Lerario Beatriz , a sophisticated collection by Brazilian Ana Lerario, invited the press to an under air-conditioned venue on a steamy late afternoon- that seemed just right, given the sultry sensuality of her beautifully perfected clothes. Similar to Reyes-who is repped out of Lerario's NY based FiftyTwo Showroom, the feminine details of couture-like finishes magically imparted a Great Gatsby, lazy Sunday afternoon tea- aura, as did the softly curled updos snuggled beneath black berets and ingenue makeup. Sexy may be back, but not in this line. Instead, loyal fans will clamor for the refined demeanor of gently rolled hem, pocketed linen shorts, and hand crotchet touches appearing as a thick waist band on a flowing cotton linen skirt, and as sweet layers on a summery tiered sheath- idling under a wisp of a sheer white blouse.
The next week’s quick stroll through the aisles of ENK’s enormous Coterie at the Javits Center, had loads of ‘nice’ basics- but two collections really stood out.
David Meister , a Seventh Avenue veteran, nailed the sleeveless sheath dressing craze that will continue to dominate sales next year. Expertly tailored (and lined!!!!) in flattering, barely there A-lines or tapered with to the knee hems and shaped with coordinating waist belts… the dresses will be available in bold flower prints or Narciso Rodriguez worthy seamed all black or white solids. Plus, the dresses are sure to land on many ladies’backs: the versatile pieces are not only available in many sizes, but will enhance a multitude of body shapes.
Being dedicated Eurotypes, though not enthralled with the strengthening Euro, Creenstone , a Holland outerwear design house, ‘discovered’ by the spot-on sales team at Isabella Company -who also import France’s Gerald Darel and Germany’s Bianca labels- got our hearts pounding. The Creenstone collection shows true innovation, styled with panache rain/outwearwear in parachute silky, nylon/polyester mix and patent leather materials, with practical and artful to the eye, draw-string sleeves and metal hardware buttons and clasps…. that will FINALLY offer a chic alternative to that boring already trench coat that already sits in every closet in America. Enough.
Photo courtesy of Creenstone
This label, celebrating the big 12 ½ year mark, “like a USA 25th reunion” according to salesperson Nancy Lehmann-Murphy, is an unknown entity, though Nordstrom’s is clever enough to sell the line. Creenstone’s will be on that retailer’s website so that Nordstrom-deprived Manhattan dwellers can indulge.
Now if only the US Treasury would ignore the Washington DC lobbyists… and give us Americans some buying power back with a USA dollar rally.