A DESIGNER’S PALM BEACH AESTHETIC HITS THE MARK
Text, Images by Judith Ecochard
Douglas Hannant is a fashion designer who understands the business of the biz… and thoroughly knows the lives and desires of his dedicated clientele, their clothing needs from sun-up to sun-down… and their posh zip codes, no doubt.
Backstage- prior to the runway show in the striking Buddakan Restaurant bordering the hip Meat Packing District- Hannant seems calm and confident. “My customer is Palm Beach,” he tells us-though his inspirations for the elegant sheaths, caftans, and evening wear come from exotic resort locales across the world.
Hannant also explains his focus for Resort, “my most important season… as my clients like to dress-up and have no need for casual performance wear at dinner.”
We applaud his sentiment.
Not surprisingly, the thirty-three dressy looks that traipsed down the runway are perfectly fitted, and perfectly accessorized with oversized Eric Javits straw sunhats and bold gold necklaces by the well-known Janis by Janis Savitt- (kudos to stylist, Marie Claire fashion visionary, and Project Runway judge-Nina Garcia).
The models? Polished and youthful and NOT goth jail-bait types. And clean!
THE COLLECTION
Several tried and true sunny separates and gowns are wonderfully tailored modern classics-exactly what the mostly blonde ladies who pack the front row want to wear.
Our favorites include a day wear darling mint embroidered funnel neck sheath (Look 3), a versatile shimmery white silk taffeta blouse over a multi stripe lurex tweed pencil pant (Look 13),
and a plush Dior 50’s cocktail style fushia/red jacquard dress with pockets (Look 28).
As usual, there are stately coats (a shantung opera Look 23) and a jacket/bolero (a fetching quilted leather-part of Look 12) to cleverly ward off ocean breezes.
Hannant's tasteful but still opulent touches such as elaborately hand beaded necklines and top fabrics from Italy and France underscore his eye for the ‘the best.’
And the color palette that ranges from strong peacock blue (in a chiffon evening gown with flattering -otherwise bare back straps Look 29) to a sorbet smooth orange embroidered dress (Look 30) flatter those with darker skin tones as well as fairer damsels.
In sum-every ensemble will probably find favor-and a (huge customized) closet from which to hang.
HAIR AND MAKEUP
We love the hair that was teased and smoothed at the crown, then pulled back-silky board straight, and enhanced by extensions (by Edward Tricomi of Warren Tricomi Haircare).
THINK - Not a hair out of place!
And rarely have we met so many models backstage that universally sing the praises of runway makeup (by Vincent Longo)…cooing “it feels like nothing…it goes on great…even the mascara smells like roses.”
FYI: Products expertly applied by Carlo Longo and his team include the flirty La Dolce Vita Lash tips snuggly glued to the outer eye corners- with a glossy Vibrant Eye Waterproof Liner in black on the upper lid= a modified cat eye.
Skin is glowing and supple AND looks healthy- with the best selling (and pioneering) moisturizing Water Canvas Blush in Forever Flush on the cheeks.
Once again, the Creative Nail team worked their magic with pink glimmery “Pucker Up” nail polish.
