LA BASED WOMEN'S WITH WORDLY APPEAL
ENK TRADESHOWS, JAVITS CONVENTION CENTER
Words, Images Judith Ecochard
Robert Rodriguez is one of those accomplished Contemporary designers that we somehow missed when he showed his women’s collections during NY’s Fashion Week.
His sophisticated, sexy silhouettes, use of the finest European fabrics (Italian), and tasteful ways with embellishments really stood out at last week’s tradeshows.
Because…amongst the watered down ‘YSL-ish’ boho dresses and tattoo inspired tees we saw aisle after aisle, Rodriguez stayed true to his background (FIT educated, having worked for Christian Dior Evening).
As Marco Lebel, a colleague of the Cuban born crafter noted…Rodriguez employs “…a European aesthetic by pushing design elements into his clothing… and giving our customers something new.”
SPRING 09:
A smashing “lemoncello” yellow, that we feel is the new classic neutral, joined easy wear colors carbon and cream as the basis of a rich color palette for warmer temps.
Sequins and ruffles artfully adorn dresses with little jackets (for work to night out panache) and above the knee skirts to pair with off the shoulder tees.
There was a hint of 80’s too---in a long jacket paired with a cropped silk chiffon pants that looked fresh, not dated-and flattering.
Jumpers and sleeveless, pocketed silky pantsuits in carbon (gray), charcoal, and black are reminiscent of the Versace runway threads we saw in September…we like… but recommend only for the slim and trim.
We also saw a few elegant prints---on a dress with a fishtail hem---that will blend into any wardrobe…versus some of the exuberant splashes of rainbow tones that others showed.
SUMMER’09
Set for an April delivery date, Rodriguez is proffering solid deep vibrant colors “that are more transitional and work with Fall wear.”
We loved the shades- like Empress Blue, Cream, Monarch Red, Birch-Chocolate, and Amber.
The luxe LA tailoring vibe continues with sequins on a wear forever shirt, ruffled sleeveless cotton tees with racerbacks--- and chic floating hems on dresses.
This is a collection that all aged females with an eye for top notch feminine style…will want to check out…
Pricewise –we feel it fits into the affordable realm, given the fabrics and the cuts…from about $115 for the ruffled tees to a high end of $495---with most prices falling somewhere in the middle.
RETAIL: SAKS FIFTH AVENUE, NEIMAN MARCUS, REVOLVE CLOTHING
