There are so many fashion shows at NYFW but the shows I attended were focused on special occasion dressing and party looks with many that were bridal appropriate. There is no need to wait for bridal week in October when NYFW has so many options for wedding dressing.
Dennis Basso had his celebratory 40’s anniversary show at the Pierre Hotel on tony 5th Ave and 61 Street in Manhattan. The hotel’s opulence was a fitting venue for his return to a full-on show after 2 years of pandemic presentations. Basso is known for his furs and indeed started as a furrier in his early years but his adoring socialite clientele wanted more from him. His dress designs run on the classic side of the meter with embroidered and beaded A-line gowns leading the way. Many of the looks had fur stoles which he modernized with ribbon ties and he joined the back-interest trend with capes, bustles and trains in many of his looks. He took his final bow with Martha Stewart at his side—many of his social friends were in attendance to support and celebrate his long career in design.
Anniversaries were the event du jour with another evening veteran, Pamela Roland, touting 20 years in the business. The gowns were beautifully designed each dress different from the last. Chopard bejeweled many models with a substantial pieces—earrings, bracelets or necklace. A flower shop was the backdrop for the show mimicking the variety of colors and styles that Roland offered. The back interest trend surfaced here too with long flowy open sleeves, attached capes and long trains. There was pleated tulle, maribou feathers and beaded spangles on many dresses. A bride ended the show followed by Roland who paraded the runway with her 3 grown children which was not the first time she has walked with them. Family is her lifeblood and she makes a point to thank them during her shows.
The Italian collection Chiara Boni la Petite Robe returned after a couple of seasons in hiatus from NYFW. With the ubiquitous stretch fabric that molds to a women’s body and her use of bright hues, Chiara Boni looks are beloved by TV personalities for their ease of fit. Boni owes much of her success to the fabric forgiveness because of its stretchy attributes, but she uses it in a way that retains a strong silhouette—suit jackets are impeccably sculpted to a women’s shape. This season she is delving into bridal with a grouping that paraded out at the end of the show. It’s worth looking into if you are looking for a sleek look for your wedding.
Bach Mai is new to NYFW but not new to designing. The Texan designer has a strong point of view with talent to match. Mai is focused on eveningwear but throws tradition out the window. His designs are unique and exhibits a fresh modern perspective on dressing up. It’s clear we will see more of his designs on the red carpet.
Bibhu Mohapatra vacillated from demur with lace A-line gowns to dresses with leather harnesses for an added toughness. There was a variety of silhouettes but that is what he does so well—offer a assortment of styles for his customer, in opulent fabrics, unique embellishments and lace appliqués. Many of his looks delved into daytime arena with tailored pants, jackets, skirts and separates which are quintessential ladies who lunch, but with an edge.
