Author | Marina Dojchinov
As fashion week draws to a close, we kick off our heels, let down our hair, and traverse the runways, putting together our 3 favorite designers and trends of the season.
Brother & sister duo, Michael & Stephanie Costello have once again broken the bonds of their well-documented gypsy upbringing to produce a sexually charged, and theatrically infused collection to the runway. Opening the show, we were literally transported into a dream world where fantasy and reality collide. A thinly veiled model stalked down the runway, only to reveal nothing but body paint to a shocked audience. This was a sign of things to come.
The collection was a mixture of architectural lines and sleek silhouettes, combined with the empowering and figure-hugging boldness the designers are known for. We saw a monochromatic palate, coupled with deep gold, silvers and asymmetrical cuts that exposed just enough skin to be labeled as classically sexy. The use of sheer fabrics with muted metallic offset the collection perfectly, and it’s easy to see why Beyoncé chose the label to wear to the 2014 Grammy awards, much to critical acclaim.
The design however that got people talking (and tongues wagging) was a Nordic god, er, we mean model, traversing down the runway holding his junk in his hands with nothing but a golden cape draped over his broad shoulders.
Among the celebrities in attendance were Chris Brown and NBC stylist Aynai Sy. “(Costello) designs for that girl that likes to be seen. That red carpet girl that likes to stand out, and he has an interesting take on fashion. Definitely a red carpet affair!” says Sy.
We couldn’t agree more.
“The confident, intelligent women of New York have an innate understanding and appreciation for fashion, moving forward and having a balance in life. I am excited to have the opportunity to share my collection with them” says the humble yet shy designer Lie Sangbong.
True to form, Sangbong’s fall ‘15 collection was a spectrum of color, structure, leather and prints. Sangbong experiments with texture, paring thick trench coats with a tapered waist, bold belts, and cropped pants. The looks are a mixture of classic lines with a contemporary feel. Most surprisingly was the bold use of plaid, with a stand out sleeveless trench layered over a form hugging leather skirt.
The use of monochromatic prints added a touch of sophisticated old world glamour. “One good thing about being a fashion designer is that you can live in different ages, combine even oppositional ideas and techniques to create something that is both contemporary and useful,” says Sangbong with a wise grin.
In our eyes this designer can do no wrong, and we salute him for the bold move to bring back the plaid, a trend we sure will be a big hit this season.
With an impressive celebrity following including Mary Kate Olsen and Lady Gaga, the musically inclined duo Mark & Estel opened their fall ‘15 show with an eminent ferocity. The rockers, whose band holds the same name, sung, danced and shimmied their way down the runway, leaving us wondering if we had somehow made the wrong turn into a rock concert, instead of fashion week.
The fun, sassy and wild collection that followed was 60’s inspired chic, with plaid minis, plunging necklines and satin dresses. “We like to think of this collection as wearable music. We try combine the best of both worlds, music and fashion, and our love of rock and roll shine through into our work” says Mark.
The shimmering, intricate designs were offset with bold hues, flirtatious tunics and luxurious fabrics. As we see a push away from the classic monochromes we have become accustomed to grace the runway, it is a refreshing sign towards a more colorful season ahead.
