West 14th Street, NYC
words/images Judith Ecochard
With New York Fashion Week set to kick off with the new Spring 2012 clothes---
A re-visit one of our favorite collections that presented at Lincoln Center last February, designer Norman Ambrose...was a fresh reminder of one of that season's highlights....
Prior to Ambrose's debut on a grand stage-we have previewed his prior collections in an intimate hotel suite---so we missed the ability to actually see, up close his stunning apparel---the luxe European fabrics, the intricate hand-forged embroideries, the exacting workmanship----
It made us think about all the get the look for less, high/low ensembles we see in print reads. We beg to disagree---once can get the style for less...but not the look-as the actual look includes everything about a dress, a coat, a skirt...
...and with this collection the LOOK is personified by the hand finishings, custom made constructions (for any shape women) insuring the perfect fits, classic and elegant tailoring ...
And one doesn't have to be a fashionista to appreciate the utter exquisiteness of say a 50's/60's staple that would placate the inner siren Grace Kelly's amongst us---this novelty metallic wool pleat front pencil skirt...impeccably lined in silk crepe de chine skirt ($1100)...
--- paired with a hand beaded tulle sleeveless evening blouse...the same luxurious material as used in this long sleeve sheath...and a plush cashmere cardigan with gold buttons.
Evening wear...invites close-ups...the hand work is amazing...and yes, this knock-out one shoulder silk tulle crepe satin evening gown with metal bullion appliqé ($7990) is weighty...but as all of Ambrose's pieces...from the daywear through the Red Carpet stunners---
All is very wearable -in the best tradition of American Sportswear---gone glam.
PLUS: We thought the this soft Alpaca double breasted overcoat with horn buttons and charmeuse binding ($3110) one for the ages...its sturdy yet elegant...with back detail.
...and the silk double dutchess satin opera coat---wonderfully made back pleats that reminded us of of classic Dior. ($4650)
words/images Judith Ecochard
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| Angora plaid 3 pocket tailored blazer/Angora plaid fly front trouser with front pockets ($3150/$1525) left Italian cashmere cable knit long sleeve sweater dress/appliqué mink trim $2585 |
With New York Fashion Week set to kick off with the new Spring 2012 clothes---
A re-visit one of our favorite collections that presented at Lincoln Center last February, designer Norman Ambrose...was a fresh reminder of one of that season's highlights....
 |
| Silk Charmeuse long sleeve shirt dress, pleated patch pockets and waist tie ($2170)...a versatile dress 'simple' elegance |
 |
| Hand embroidered silk tulle jabot front evening blouse ($4500) with hand beaded pailette evening skirt, burn out ostrich feather sleeve & hem appliqués ($5990) |
Prior to Ambrose's debut on a grand stage-we have previewed his prior collections in an intimate hotel suite---so we missed the ability to actually see, up close his stunning apparel---the luxe European fabrics, the intricate hand-forged embroideries, the exacting workmanship----
 |
| hand beaded pailette & crystal encrusted long sleeve cocktail dress with burn out ostrich feather sleeve & hem appliqué |
 |
| Hand beaded black diamond and jet bead 'crusade' cocktail dress, silk crepe de chine lining, tulle ruffle sleeves $8900 |
It made us think about all the get the look for less, high/low ensembles we see in print reads. We beg to disagree---once can get the style for less...but not the look-as the actual look includes everything about a dress, a coat, a skirt...
...and with this collection the LOOK is personified by the hand finishings, custom made constructions (for any shape women) insuring the perfect fits, classic and elegant tailoring ...
 |
| Well sewn --- |
 |
| Even the silk lining is hemmed in beautifully |
And one doesn't have to be a fashionista to appreciate the utter exquisiteness of say a 50's/60's staple that would placate the inner siren Grace Kelly's amongst us---this novelty metallic wool pleat front pencil skirt...impeccably lined in silk crepe de chine skirt ($1100)...
--- paired with a hand beaded tulle sleeveless evening blouse...the same luxurious material as used in this long sleeve sheath...and a plush cashmere cardigan with gold buttons.
 |
| Hand beaded tulle long sleeve cocktail dress, Russian sable trim $21, 450 |
Evening wear...invites close-ups...the hand work is amazing...and yes, this knock-out one shoulder silk tulle crepe satin evening gown with metal bullion appliqé ($7990) is weighty...but as all of Ambrose's pieces...from the daywear through the Red Carpet stunners---
All is very wearable -in the best tradition of American Sportswear---gone glam.
PLUS: We thought the this soft Alpaca double breasted overcoat with horn buttons and charmeuse binding ($3110) one for the ages...its sturdy yet elegant...with back detail.
...and the silk double dutchess satin opera coat---wonderfully made back pleats that reminded us of of classic Dior. ($4650)
