One designer better known for her bridal gowns is plunging into everyday wear with her fall collection while another designer adds some ‘40s elements to a timeless style. NY1’s Stephanie Simon caught her show under the tents at Bryant Part at Fall Fashion Week and filed the following report.
Chantilly Lace and a pretty face: It may seem like a simple combination but Monique Lhuillier's fall collection builds on her success in wedding gown design and builds and builds.
“I was into layering, so there's chiffons with lace on top then beaded tuille, so there's a lot of layering and it's very intricate, but I think the result is quite breathtaking,” says Lhuillier.
Lhuillier was inspired by architecture so more structured than seasons past. A look that's well constructed for her star fans.
“Monique is even smaller than I am, so I just appreciate that she's tiny and she can dress you beautifully and elegantly,” says actor Patricia Heaton.
“I'm just watching and getting ideas, the Grammy's are coming up the Oscars are coming up,” says TV personality Vanessa Minnillo.
With an already-strong foundation in dressing women for very special occasions, Lhuillier seems to be following her own blue print for success.
At Chaiken the look is day into night. Very wearable but still very glamorous. Part Rosie the Riveter part Katherine Hepburn, Chaiken's well-tailored togs were inspired by the ‘40's
“We know it as very slim with shoulder pads or the opposite, which is like the zoot suit with full trousers,” says Chaiken designer Jeff Mahshie.
“So you'll see a longer silhouette,” says Chaiken CEO Julie Chaiken. “We've started working with these amazing cashmere dresses, so you'll see drape in all different lengths. So it’s just kind of a yummy, luxe sportswear collection.”
From coveralls to allover color, the sleek looks appealed to Julianna Margulies and Cynthia Dixon
“They’re very flattering to the body, but very wearable too. They're very New York, but they're not uber New York,” says Dixon.
“I love to mix and match. I have an old coat from four years ago a brand-new spring top,” says Margulies.
Because classic looks never go out of style.
– Stephanie Simon
