NEW YORK, Sep 11, 2009 / FW/ — Mara Hoffman has a clear aesthetic- bohemian fabulousity. As expected there were whimsical prints in every color imaginable on flowy silk jersey- commercial looks that are sure to be snatched off the racks come springtime.
But on Thursday the enviably attractive duo behind the line proved that their technical skills were anything but off-the-rack. Each piece involved arts and crafts, handmade embellishments from thick braiding to net-like mesh weaving.
While flirty dresses are their specialty, we were absolutely drooling over their more structured separates, especially the cream jacket with an open back panel covered in thin, horizontal strips of fabric that met in the middle to form a thick braid.
Like with the jacket, the designers achieve time and time again to creatively accentuate the sexiest part of the female form- her back.
Low, open-backed silhouettes left room for interesting takes on how to decorate the fleshy canvas, with exaggerated weaving and super-long halter ties, asymmetrical straps, and billowy draping.
One trend noticed in many of the shows this season was the use of soft draping over hips- a look Mara Hoffman perfected in their cute mini dresses with a more fitted and bare silhouette on top.
The rainbow-bright patterns and exciting shapes looked worthy of a Sangria-filled get-down in Rio and have us counting down the days until Spring 2010.
[ANNIE KREIGHBAUM]
Photos by EDWARD COLELLI
crystal
It’s so hard to look at these beach worthy dresses when I’m longing for Fall weather. 🙂
I LOVE Mara Hoffman’s collection. Great prints, draping and necklines! And, great review from you! 🙂