NEW YORK, Feb 19, 2009 / FW/ — Believe it or not, there are people who are apparently unaffected by the current economic crisis. So, it stands to reason that there are women who would dress accordingly.
For his Fall/Winter 2009 collection Dennis Basso prepared a lush and luxurious look for these women. A palette of beautifully mixed autumnal and moody somber colors, in chic architectural constructions, became the story of a lifestyle.
Architecture was a major influence throughout the collection, Basso acted accordingly by fortifying his foundation with solid key pieces. The most effective of which was a thin, directional pant offered in gunmetal silk crepe and brown silk-faille. The rest of the colors of the collection followed suit in pewter, sand, champagne and black. Other materials in the collection, however, offered a pleasant juxtaposition. Furs- in bass risk, sable, chinchilla, fox and broadtail – were the order of the day and made perfect since interspersed with tweeds and brocades. The opulence was tightened in with metallic python belts and topped with mink hats.
For the best well-heeled of this Uptown crew was a chocolate alligator jacket laced with charcoal broadtail that folded backed on either side and was smartest belted. Silk vertically ruffled dresses and unadorned pencil skirts were the only other key garments offered.
The real highlights were the subversive quirks. A silk champagne poof- sleeve bandeau was paired with a thin fur vest, leaving a sliver of skin on the shoulder exposed. Blue snakeskin belts injected needed color over monochromatic ensembles. Our Uptown girl’s wit was certainly evident from her details. Mixing in fun Downtown twists definitely elevated the collection. Supple driving gloves with elongated straps played twice round the wrist while other glove options were pumped up with girly bows. To finish the feel there were enormous cocktail rings that anchored the gloves and echoed the luxury.
Before the show rounded out the colors and mood were lightened and the message was made clear. As Santogold’s “Starstruck” energized the show and crowd we were just that. Basso summed up his customer’s plush lifestyle with ornate, gold-dusted ivory gowns that assured a sought after position. The collection was ultimately cohesive and lavish replete with just the right quirks.
[OMAR CAMPBELL]
Photos courtesy of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week
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