Text, Vivian G. Kelly
Images, Dan Lecca, courtesy of Mercedes Benz
TIME/PLACE: Bryant Park, Saturday, Feb. 2nd
Bravo to Kelly Cutrone and the team at People’s Revolution for thinking of doing a 2 in 1 show.
It’s expensive to show and there’s a lot to be said for taking advantage of having everyone already sitting in the house. Another bonus, doing it this way saved us time and cut back on the running around that day.
PART I. THE ARAKS COLLECTION
THE VIBE: Sexy Librarian meets the ingénue publishing assistant
CHANNELING: Audrey Hepburn’s character in “Funny Face” before she was transformed by Hollywood’s version of Diana Vreeland and lensman Richard Avedon so winningly played by Kay Thompson and Fred Astaire.
IMPORTANT TO THIS COLLECTION: Silver, graphite, Aegean blue, and sheer fabrications and some GREAT ACCESSORIES, which played a strong supporting role.
In a season of predominantly gray and earth-toned colors [perhaps influenced by the dreary state of the economy] little punches of color like a neon skirt liner seemed just right. Most of the sheer looks were shown unlined, but we’re assuming that they will arrive with at least a partial lining on the retail floor this fall.
ACCESSORY ALERT: The knee-highs with the Scottish Clansmen tassel detail looked good with RACHEL COMEY’S sensible oxfords. Small details such as the retro eyeglasses by Silver Lining Vintage just added to the studious but sexy effect.
PART II. THE MARA HOFFMAN COLLECTION
After a very brief pause following the last Araks exit, we met quite a different woman – the Mara Hoffman woman.
THE VIBE: Rock and roll, tough and sexy, just like the opening soundtrack.
THE COLLECTION’S FORTE: Chunky knits with interesting detailing. We loved them as shown, the models bundled and swathed complete with a cute wool cap and attached hip length scarf.
Also strong was the black and white hostess gown in chiffon with an attached cape/train.
The design duo didn’t show only black and white though, they treated us to a super jumpsuit in absinthe green, THE accent color of the season.
There were some other great rocker girl alternatives for evening, like the black robe dress worn with the sleeves pushed back and pink snake skin leggings.
A HURRAH FOR ACCESSORIES MOMENT: We didn't have many of these this season, but we just loved that sexy Victoria's Secret hair Almog & Mark created for the show paired with old-school gold rimmed Ray Ban Aviators.
www.araks.com
www.marahoffman.com
Eye glasses available at Silver Lining Opticians, tel. 212-274-9191