AN ELEGANT COLLECTION DRAWS WELL DRESSED TOP EDITORS AND SOCIALITES
(For good reason).
Words, Images Judith Ecochard
Our first intro to Kai Milla- a significant fashion designer- (not as wife of the fab singer/songwriter/musician Stevie Wonder)---
---was a few seasons back at the soaring Unitarian Church on Central Park West.
After seeing the Spring 2010 RTW collection-- of mostly evening attire, dubbed “Belle De Jour” -and outfits titled Emilie, Genevieve, Babette, etc--- we scold ourselves for missing the in between shows.
Yes, that amazing.
The semi formal runway show…had models emerging from the elevators of the Edward Durrel’s landmarked, Columbus Circle building, now the home of the Museum of Arts and Design.
Strolling through, and yes, towering over the crowd in Cesare Paciotti shoes, the beauties ended up in a second exhibition space and struck a pose against mannequins attired in other Milla ensembles.
What struck us as a real leap forward, was the sophisticated tailoring, careful draping…that while not confining, still “celebrated” the body.
… and details like perfectly sewn ruching (around a neckline ending in ruffles), the fit of satiny silk trousers with a wrap around waist band, and pleating (of a Red Carpet worthy V-Neck gown and a wrap pencil skirt).
The ensembles fit the models flawlessly…and when we can get that close up view, we really look for that…a sign of a professional.
The fabrics were lucious … silk taffeta, a dreamy water color silk charmeuse, fine cotton, and light weight silk jersey---.
And the color palette of deep black, dove grey and a rich gold/yellow is flattering on all skin tones.
No wonder Kia Milla got the turn out she did, and interesting for us, many of the women switched into their sky-high heels at the entrance…and stood for the entire presentation without complaint.
Perhaps, like us, they were transported.
INFO: KAI MILLA
Denise Rich, "Housewives" with Kai Milla