Daily Front Row

2010 February 16

Runway Reviews: Zac Posen, Monique Lhuillier

Zac Posen, Fall 2010
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(NEW YORK) Zac Posen
Furs and frills reigned at Zac Posen, as he delivered plenty sportswear while keeping things vibrant. Deviating from his usual focus on long dresses and evening gowns, he presented magenta velvet jackets and camel capes. The confections instilled the entire collection with a sense of joy. While last season saw a cornucopia of color, Posen tamed it down for fall, playing with copper and pewter hues. Set to live music from violinist Miri Ben-Ari, the runway show featured lively prints, many of which were taken from Rosson Crow paintings.  Mini dresses and swingy, party frocks felt carefree and blissful. True to form, Posen’s collection was effervescent from start to finish, each piece ready for nighttime revelry.

Monique Lhuillier
Monique Lhuillier transported her audience to a faraway, eastern land with her latest collection. Chinese military-inspired frocks and coats complete with crimson jacquard, high necklines and bold shoulders were fit for both royalty and warriors. Shanghai red hues dominated the runway, and even the seemingly more simple dresses were full of life. “Everyone loves to wear black, but I felt like it needed a new twist, so it’s lacquered,” Lhuillier explained. The designer consistently promises luxe, opulent, stunning gowns with a fierce attention to the female form. This season, more than ever, saw a heightened attention to fusing glamour with ease. “It’s about zipping the gown up and everything is right,” she explained. While this sounds simple enough, Lhuillier’s l ook is achieved because of the garment’s delicate cut and construction.