Spring Bouquets Grace the Runway

This article is from the archive of The New York Sun before the launch of its new website in 2022. The Sun has neither altered nor updated such articles but will seek to correct any errors, mis-categorizations or other problems introduced during transfer.

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NY Sun
NEW YORK SUN CONTRIBUTOR

Afresh bouquet of pastel hues played up the ladylike chiffon dresses, and crochet and wool gauze shorts at Luca Luca. Silk jackets featured unexpected, but not incongruous, accents in the form of petal-shaped panels where lapels would have been. Designer Luca Orlandi worked with the most delicate of fabrics, from silk shantung to silk organza and linen gauze, without sacrificing the sharp finish of good construction. Working primarily with spring ready hues, from sea-foam to silvery mauve and pale blush, Mr. Orlandi drew inspiration from modern stained glass as well, according to his show notes. Among the most memorable looks in the collection was an embroidered silk minidress in ivory that turned down at the bodice, not unlike a gracefully wilted flower. A pink crinkled dress of rayon and silk featured eye-catching feather details that moved as they caught a breeze.

Rebecca Thomas

With an abundance of cable knit cardigans in navy and Kelly green combinations, and sleek pencil-skirts in nautical or hibiscus prints, the spring 2008 collection at Milly was undeniably American and inspired by the classics. But the girlish Connecticut-born designer, Michelle Smith, is also a devoted Francophile who showed her eye for Riviera chic by adding sexy wrist-length driving gloves and black silk turbans to these lush looks. From a runway entrance framed by a verdant archway, models (some bespectacled, suggesting a bookish it-girl getting her first taste of spring fashion) emerged in leafy, print-heavy ensembles fit for Palm Beach. Belted sheath dresses and sweaters with sailor stitches struck just the right chord beneath sateen day coats. The collection didn’t lack sultry looks either: A revealing maillot and a succession of bikini bottoms in navy and white were paired with gold accents and sweaters tied loosely at the neck.

R. T.

Kate Spade’s women’s collection and Jack Spade’s men’s line unveiled their spring bags and accessories yesterday while lifeguards served up bite-size hors d’oeuvres in a beach-like setting at a gallery in Chelsea. Neon and patent leather were prominent at Kate Spade, as was wicker in what appeared to be a Hamptons-meets-Studio 54-themed collection. A square wicker purse with a neon yellow handle was placed by ballerina flats made of cork with wood soles, which were lined in neon pink patent leather with a bow at the toes. Sandals with a seahorse design seemed more suited for the beach than a walk in the city. Animal prints and skins popped up sporadically, as did some more conventional boxy Kate Spade bags. The Jack Spade collection was more toned down and gritty. Heavy leather briefcases, lined ties in colors such as crimson and gold, and large canvas overnight bags were perfect for transitioning from work to weekend.

Laura Sinberg

NY Sun
NEW YORK SUN CONTRIBUTOR

This article is from the archive of The New York Sun before the launch of its new website in 2022. The Sun has neither altered nor updated such articles but will seek to correct any errors, mis-categorizations or other problems introduced during transfer.


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