Karen Walker and fans...
KIWI DESIGNER DEBUTS IN NYC
The Altman Building, West 18th Street, NYC September 2008
Words, Backstage Images by Judith Ecochard
FOH Photos courtesy of the designer and from WWD and HBO’s Big Love websites.
We got a tip from a photographer who shoots every major runway show – that Karen Walker is a great designer and that the runway show would be FUN.
Yup, got that right.
Hailing from the Southern Hemisphere-Karen Walker is a fashion veteran from New Zealand- that has had prior RTW shows in Sydney and London.
For this collection, titled “The Believers”-Walker’s gone all prairie, Americana casual … referencing religious cults (as in that Texas polygamist compound)-as inspiration…which we learned via our brief backstage chat.
So we knew it would only be a matter of time before Chloe Sevigny’s character-“Nicki” Grant on HBO’s BIG LOVE would be annointed a fashion icon…nudging out SJP’s Sex In The City.
Not to worry…even those that have never read the Bible will find something to like in the easy wear separates, done largely in a palette of sea and deep blues.
We liked the peacock blue boyfriend slouchy cropped blazer over the classic desert khaki leg trousers that opened the show. The slim silhouette pants were cuff hemmed to hit right above the ankles so as to be sleek, not boring.
We liked the comfy oversized tees, and a animalistic batik print that was used in rolled cuff shorts and several dresses- perfect for those hot temps that’ll hit us next year.
There were also flirty frocks for girlier gals –like the white and tan wicker print silk mini and an inky blue taffeta silk dress with a bold asymmetrical ruffle detail that defines the waist.
A farm-ish blue and white floral silk cotton voile fabric-in a boxy shirt -over faded indigo skirt and then again used in an oversized pleat detail shirt- paired with a cobalt blue cotton trousers
…plus a boxy plaid jacket/pants outfit...gave us a real editorial sense of Walker’s style
The garb had a rural flavor but with an edgy undertone.
As in rock and roll not bluegrass.
AMEN!!!!
HAIR/MAKEUP-Long, wavy shiny locks, parted in the middle-no fuss. Makeup is soft---pink cheek and glossy pink. Innocent looks.
