Last Thursday night, I was invited to a presentation of the new collection from up-and-coming Philadelphia designer, Kristin Haskins-Simms. Name ring a bell? You might remember her from Season 8 of Project Runway and since then, she’s been busy building her label strangefruit.
The show at the Loews hotel was fantastic.We picked at bites from Sole Food and really enjoyed the wine by Little Black Dress! Hair and make-up were done by the always amazing Ettore salon & Spa, but the fashions were clearly the star of the evening.
The Fall 2011 collection was inspired by the Belle Epoque era, says the designer. “The use of negative space, sharp diagonal’s, and ‘courtesans’ dominated the style of many artists during this time.” The nod is evident in the drapiness of the garments, as in this gauzy, almost Grecian-looking piece.
I personally love the way Kristin plays with an organic form, wrapping the female frame in such a flattering way, yet with a modern, almost mod edge. Check out the neutral color-blocking in this piece – LOVE!
But in an instant, I knew my favorite piece as soon as I laid eyes one it.
I die for the billowy construction of the Kimono Jacket, I melt over the exposed zipper that can actually be upzippered (as shown) for a flirty, flowy effect or closed up tight for a more structured look. Either way, it is H O T. Who knew plaid – outside a naughty school girl costume – could be so very sexy. Many thanks to MVPR for the invite!
We should all be so strange!
SPF
That jacket – sheer perfection!!
I know, right!!