Friday, February 26, 2016

Fashion Week Fall / Winter 2016: Zang Toi, Leanne Marshall, and Michelle Helene

Zang Toi 
With the November 2015 Paris attacks strong in mind, Zang Toi’s Fall collection paid tribute to France, a country near and dear to his heart. Inspired by the French Alps, and the resilience of the French people, Toi aimed to showcase strength, elegance, and beauty. The start of the show was rather tame but classic, with less theatrics than we are used to, with safe layered monochrome knits, tailored trenches and suits, sweater /cardigan combos, and of course luxurious coats and furs. Personally, I loved the cat eared beanies. Cue Part 2, when the mood changes and you just can’t turn your head away, captivated by his evening gowns. Scarlet gowns, capes, fishtails, a standout ombre grey and black tulle number, fur stoles, and extravagant embroidery and beading, all of which remind you of why he has such a devoted following.

Zang Toi RTW Fall 2016      Zang Toi RTW Fall 2016

Zang Toi RTW Fall 2016      Zang Toi RTW Fall 2016

Zang Toi RTW Fall 2016      Zang Toi RTW Fall 2016

Zang Toi RTW Fall 2016      Zang Toi RTW Fall 2016

Zang Toi RTW Fall 2016      Zang Toi RTW Fall 2016
All photos from Rodin Banica/WWD



Michelle Helene
Today, in a society where fashion fashion is taking over the way we consume, our wants are many and plentiful, and waste is excessive and abundant, what we need is designers like Michelle Helene. Designers that have a passion and talent for creating beautiful clothing, while also having a sense of ethical and social responsibility. While Michelle is a newer name to New York Fashion Week, with just a 2 year old brand, her collection has a level of sophistication, with the right balance of structure and texture, and details that make each piece unique but classic. Easy to wear and practical, and a step in the right direction, with materials sourced from fair trade, and ethical working conditions.



      

Leanne Marshall 
Besides perhaps one of the most awkward finales and designer bows I've seen at NYFW (I blame the three lanes of Clarkson Square that seem to inspire an excess of exits), Marshall's show of glimmering gowns was an ethereal success. Her light dove grey gowns, especially the sheer lace ones and those paired with light bronze insets of fabric, were particularly stunning standouts. The combat boots paired with gowns and the more convoluted finale piece of tiered ruffles (part of which was left behind on the runway during the bow) felt more piled-on than dramatic, and the many, many black gowns could have used an edit. But on the whole I would look to Marshall for a floating, glowing gown cut nicely down the bodice for the perfect evening piece with just enough romance to make a girl feel like a carefree, fairy princess.

   
   
  
    
  
All photos from nyfw.com.

0 comments :