SEASONLESS DRESSING WELL DONE
THE INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHY CENTER 43rd/6th Avenue
February 16th, 2009
Words, Images Judith Ecochard
The legendary Adrienne Vittadini outfitted generations of American women in sensuous, affordable, and comfortable, well made of knits.
The company is now headed up by lead designer Kristiina Salminen and execs that “have a DNA understanding and can make modern…what Vittadini is about.”
We took in the presentation of 24 looks in galleries that appropriately featured exhibits on Fashion photography –the old (Edward Steichen) and the new (Weird Beauty: Fashion Photography Now).
We noticed right away the light and medium weight textured knit dresses and layerable separates adorning mannequins throughout --all in lovely Fall colors of forest greens, peacock blues, and grey…and a few light taupe pieces. Signature cardigans and coats (including a hand crotchet gray tweed knit sample) in cocoon shapes, and dresses in luxe fabrics like panne velvet and satin crepe--- reminds us how this modern classic label is evolving - working with an assortment of fabrics and not just knits.
And…how Vittadini still appeals to a wide swath of women because the label gives them what they look great in…and ‘ups’ it with embellishments that subtly stand out. And know your customer is always a good (sellable) mantra.
The attention to detail ---the ruching, inverted pleats, feathered epaulets on the softly draped pieces- are extra flourishes that add interest to the basics.
INFO: ADREINNE VITTADINI