NEW YORK, Sep 9, 2010 / FW/ / —  If you asked me to pick three things I would want to have with me while stranded on an island, there’s a good chance I’d say pieces from Mara Hoffman’s Spring 2011 collection (besides the usual survival items…).

Set in an urban studio of Pier 59 at the Chelsea Piers, Peoples Revolution guru Kelly Cutrone and stylist Masha Orlov joined forces with designer Mara Hoffman to create a tribal oasis for this Spring.

Hoffman’s genius brought us the collection we’ve been hoping to see.  With colors that made us think of our favorite island treats, her anticipated graphic prints were upbeat and feminine.  The combination of indigenous safari vibes with the calm military neutrals was a great, and totally wearable look.

Nothing intimidating was to be found in this collection.  Unless you don’t think you can pull off the print-on-print look.  Which we think you can this Spring.

“The collection is totally casual this season, that’s why we did a presentation instead of a show.  It’s a more casual setting,” said Hoffman- who was dressed enviously cute in her own dress and perfectly faded denim jacket.

The looks were feminine, without being girly thanks to the fluid fabrics and waist-accentuating accents.  Finishing off each look was a pair of Hoffman-printed lace-up oxfords from the covetable new line by Osborn,  chic shades by Costalots and great jewelry from Cheek-ie.

The icing on the cake of the whole experience was the live bongo drum band- what a perfect little oasis in the middle of the hectic first day of fashion week.  Wish we could have stayed there a few hours longer to really soak up the vaca-vibe.

[LINDSAY McCALLUM]
Photos courtesy of Mara Hoffman

New York Fashion Week Spring 2011