Words, Judith Ecochard
Video & Images Courtesy of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week/Image.Net/Frazer Harrison/J.Ecochard
There was a change of design head at Ports 1961 for this collection…with Fiona Cibani replacing her sister Tia---the former Creative lead.
But true to the label’s DNA of offering clothes inspired by an exotic world locale---made for the global woman…a sophisticated lady, who requires polish tailored and modern separates for business travel or leisure jaunts…
That packs well, including dresses worthy of any black tie occasion…
… And is usually flattering for all body types.
We thought this sculptural outing of draped, pleated and/or twisted dresses, breezy tops, lush and often embellished gowns, was as wonderful.
And a bit more of a flowing, loose silhouette "oranic lines" than Fall 2010’s lean, fitted silhouette. One shoulder and twisted angular necklines, 70's style trousers with silk lady-like tops that manage to be sexy, not prim...
Fall 2010 available now
Which was interesting as we had a nice chat with the President of Ports 1961 Jacqui Wenzel last night at an Bloomingdale’s/Instyle Magazine event (‘starring’ the actress from AMC’s television hit series- Mad Men’s Christina Hendricks)
Fall 2010
Where it was emphasized that Ports 1961 was still “all in the family” and a label with a continued focused on creating glamorous, feminine fashion for that customer who requires grown-up, unfussy and elegant attire…everywhere her life takes her.
That shows “she’s the boss.”
This all made sense when we re-read the run-of-show that was given out at the RTW outing on September 10th…
As:
“…the allure of desert landscapes…the contrasts of jagged geometric forms against the sensuous curves of the sand dunes… colors recall the sweeping desert topography with muted day-time neutrals…(and) a variety of innovative treatments highlight the collection’s focus on luxurious texture: silks cottons, and linens rendered with a glowing sheen…”
To quote a few key lines that summarizes Cibani’s vision.
As with the Fall 2010 show… there are fabrics that shimmer when under light (with precious stones and mineral colors sapphire, pyrite crystal, mica and amethyst gem stones).
Classic silhouettes are --- nothing new…but what sets Ports 1961 apart from most labels are the proprietary man-made fabrics and textures of the collection, including unique trim details for daywear...and for evening.
---The gem stones render additional bling unnecessary.
---The gem stones render additional bling unnecessary.
Knits are also a four season option---here, the lightweight selections are standouts---made from a unique bias yarn “engineered as a ‘torqueing knit’ that once formed and washed produces a visible bias direction in shrugs and tops.”
BONUS: The shoes, including sandals, boots and pumps.
INFO: www.ports1961.com
FYI: ESSADI is the pseudonym used by 19th century, African explorer Isabelle Eberhardt