Milk Studios, West 15th Street, NYC
Brooklyn based design duo Sophie Buhai and Lisa Maycock of Vena Cava followed the sunshine for Spring 2011. Their well designed (and received, fyi) collection--- infused some oxygenated Southern Cal ease into bold color blocks of fabric--- inspired by the Memphis design movement of Italy, circa 1980’s.
We thought immediately of Halston in the 70’s though when we saw the looks walk the runway…flowing gowns, cropped linen/rayon and crisp, polished “press” pants, breezy gauze tops, and silk camisoles.
Tailoring that yes, can be referred to as American classic”--- but really a modern 21st century version for today’s gals. Inspired by a few decades ago maybe, but nothing vintage about anything we saw.
And flattering silhouettes too with straight forward tailing...clean lines, not complicated cut out panels that we saw in a lot of other collections…figure enhancing, not constricting or sloppy.
As was the makeup (Christian McCullough for MAC)---flattering for many types of ladies---a smoky eye and peachy lips. Very wearable.
Solid colors---black, a gunmetal gray, copper and deep blues with soft taupe and mushroom shades of beige---- and for one of our fav looks…
A chartreuse quilt print culotte with a black/cotton/elastane jersey off the shoulder t-shirt (# 16).
And for night---grown up chic---as captured by the terrific last look---
“...a putty silk crepe cutaway raglan gown.”
WHAT ELSE: The hair by Ted Gibson---sleek chignons and at times, the casual day looks reminded us of how Marilyn Monroe was styled for the John Huston directed “The Misfits”…
WE LAUGHED: The homage to MC Hammer ---in printed cotton gauze pants and a button-up shirt,
INFO: www. venancavanyc.com
Words, Some Images Judith Ecochard