LYRA MAG.

West 24th Street, NYC a townhouse's private backyard that garnered serious envy from attendees... A lush tropical paradise comprised of five fashionable vignettes - with hot humid weather. ..transported attendees to the lush verdant landscape and colorful cultures of Brazil...via wearable, perfectly tailored- cool breezy separates by fashion veteran Tia Cibani...and terrific styling by Haidee Findlay-Levin. For Spring 2016-Tia Cibani-a designer with a very deep knowledge of fabrics- uses summery silk linen gauzes, crisp cotton poplins, terry knits with lightweight wool/suede in her collection of cocoon and bandeau tulip dresses, jumpsuits/rompers, sleeveless tanks and shells, blouses, tunics, kaftans, long full skirts and layer over vests...with beautiful details-hand embroidered flourishes, cooling open backs, and wonderful pleats/draped silhouettes- giving feminine shape to outfits fit for a Bahia culture- Samba festival...or a heated city street, back belt-crisp cot...

the catwalk-Persian Rugs-Banilivy Rug Corp Prince George Hotel-NYC This Tia Cibani designed collection was all about exotic texture mixes, often layered -of unique fabrics---fashioned into silhouettes cut for ease of movement... The Fez hats by Joy Kim  and the flowing silhouettes (skirts, Kaftans, capes), often layered (pants)...evoked the Turkish Whirling Dervishes --- It wasn't all just a Sufi mystical trip however …the closer fitting ensembles-made from engineered wool fabrics- were examples of chic cold weather separates for modern women on the move. The capes, belted coat and a boxy melton wool jacket over slim trousers in kohl gray=warm and stylish. LOVE=Cypress green---in several styles... gazer wrap jacket in cypress, midi whirl skirt in cypress cupro sateen, cypress fez, metallic kohl brogues As former designer for Ports 1961…and clearly with a close relationship (or several) with fabric manufacturers, Cibani eschews the mainstream...

the star of the show-the designer's adorbs baby girl! Paul Kasmin Gallery/NYC Tia Cibani's models' walking presentation usually takes place the day prior to the 'official' start of NYFW...and is always a wonderful kickstart reminder as to why some apparel deserve a runway debut vs. hanging on hangers at a tradeshow. Negro asymmetrical hem chevron raffia dress w/ cummerbund---perfect It's always a combo of things-the designs, the way a garment is made, the fabrics---how its cut/drapes. And this former mastermind behind the women's label Ports 1961...has carved out a niche of sophisticated attire ---for women who travel (comfort factor---nothing restrains---as in drawstrings defining waists-not cinched in belts, for example)... Women-who can appreciate the  "...the subtle sense of volume...balancing masculine and feminine...chic...understated...confident...assertive..."garments that Cibani offers....