SPRING/SUMMER 09
MERCEDES-BENZ FASHION WEEK
JULY 19TH BEBELPLATZ, BERLIN
Words, Pics -Judith Ecochard
We’ve attended Strenesse’s runway show in New York (for the F/W 2006 collection)…so we knew to expect savvy, WELL-CUT ensembles by this Germany based label.
THE BRAND: Gabrielle Strehe has worked her magic for years…with Strenesse’s successful debut on a Milan catwalk in 1995. Think ‘affordable’designer separates and daywear for a client who demands pulled together looks for the office …and will not tolerate sloppiness on days off either.
STRENESSE BLUE: The secondary line is geared towards a younger client with means. Meaning, not club kids but like Michael Kors secondary line, tailored on trend, sophisticated dresses, tops, and pants.
WOMEN: We loved the largely neutral tone collection. Punched up a bit, we found the printed red/white skirt paired with a pointed collared red blouse, with a sensible belt and chunky sandals, contemporary without looking too school marmish.
These were not sexy secretary looks---but proper, well-made linen trousers with fitted blouses, sharp suit jackets with defined shoulders, and a detailed seamed long linen dress with pockets that fitted the body...and was urbane not breezy BOHO.
The frilliest ensemble we saw was an ethnic indigo/black handkerchief hem top with matching skirt---that still managed to be sharp.
Overall the impeccable silhouettes seemed inspired by stereotypical menswear looks with touches of 70’s YSL thrown in.
MEN: Pointed collared white cotton shirts-worn buttoned up, slightly above the ankle black linen trousers (a length that smacks of preppy but we cannot stand) and a more our style, muted blue casual flat front trousers with a navy blue cashmere sweater and masculine leather sandals –were proper but not boring.
The interchangeable pants and shirts pieces would easily integrate into any man’s wardrobe –whether the guy lives on the posh Upper East Side of Manhattan, or dines at the outdoor cafés of Paris, Athens or Capri.
ACCESSORIES: Large oversized totes and Jackie O black sunglasses-we loved the basket weave leather man-bag.
RETAIL: STRENESSE BLUE is available worldwide. STRENESSE