Monday, September 13, 2010

Malan Breton Spring 2011 - Field Report from Nancy T

Malan Breton Spring 2011 Fashion Show from Nancy T on Vimeo.

For his Spring 2011 collection, Malan Breton returned to classic film and music. This time, the muse was "An American in Paris." The Chelsea Symphony performed Gershwin's symphony as men, women, and a poodle paraded or danced down the runway. Side Note: I was in Paris this summer. I WISH the Americans or the Parisians looked so cool, collected, and classy. When I wore a skirt there, I felt overdressed. Ah -- to live in older days, or in the movies!

Malan's womenswear designs were timeless and ageless, appropriate for anyone who wants to look stylish but not fussy. The colors were simple and spring-like, with blueberry, yellow, and red mixed in with the classic black and white. Menswear was more flamboyant and daring. And typical for Malan, almost everything was made of a luxurious silk.

Two classic Hollywood-style dance performances provided smoothly transitions between menswear and womenswear sections of the runway show. The models, dancers, and orchestra maintained their carefree personas even when the fire alarm went off during part of the show.

I could say more, but the video will better convey the beautiful simplicity of Malan's creations. My apologies that the color was not rendered as brilliant as on the runway, especially for the yellow attire. Note: two of the looks (two onyx Audrey Hepburn-style dresses including the next to last runway look) are scheduled to be available at fashionstake.com on September 29, 2010.

The front row audience included actress Denise Richards. I sat just behind Project Runway alum Diana Eng, who will have some new items available this fall.