Fall fashion is fluid for Lhuillier, layered for Natori

NEW YORK CITY — Nothing can stop fashionistas from celebrating the annual Fashion Week here, not even brutal winter weather described by meteorologists as record low temperatures and high winds that could cause frostbite on exposed skin in about half an hour.

The show must go on despite such harsh conditions. After all, fashion is more profitable than football as revealed by a new congressional study. While last year’s Super Bowl brought in $500 million in revenue, New York fashion week returns nearly $900 million to the city’s economy. No wonder the City of New York gives its full support to visiting designers and media from all over the world.

Manila Mail was invited to a dozen Fall 2015 runway shows happening until February 19 onsite and off Lincoln Center, venue of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Two of the featured designers are renowned Filipinas: celebrity designer Monique Lhuillier and fashion mogul Josie Natori.

Journey to Istanbul

With Japanese husband Ken, Natori kicked off the weeklong celebration and took her audience on a journey to Istanbul, the historic crossroads where “East meets West.”

“This inspiration is all about Istanbul,” said the former commissioner of the White House Conference on Small Business. “It’s one of my favorite cities and inspiration. I’ve been there a number of times. I’ve got a collection from there. All these swatches, textiles and shapes are from there. All these embellishments are a wonderful way to express that.”

Models interpreted 40 pieces from Natori’s stunning collection, which depicted the mix of Eastern intrigue and Western glamour through tactile texture and luxe layering.

Istanbul – famous for its pampering baths, eclectic markets, glittering palaces and whirling dervishes – was evident in the Fil-Am designer’s delightful ensemble. Models wearing fez hats walked the runway to Turkish music while wrapped in tassel blankets.

“Natori has succeeded in adding glamour to your everyday wear!” said Anna Palanska, a model from Bayview, New York, who imagined sashaying on the snowy streets of Manhattan in such outfits.

Handmade, over-the-top necklaces and belts from Natori’s Philippine collection also made quite an impact.

For evening wear, the black strapless fille coupe feather trim gown would be a showstopper. Seductive yet chic, it is perfect for any red carpet event.

Natori said it took her a year to prepare the opulent collection.

Effortless sophistication

Meanwhile, Lhuillier’s ready-to-wear preview boasted 36 of her jewel-toned collection of fluid evening looks.

“My Fall 2015 collection plays on the juxtaposition of masculine versus feminine for effortless sophistication,” said the Cebuana designer.

“Fluid silhouettes inspired by the seductive 1920s are contrasted by modern, structured shoulders and tailoring to create dramatic lines.”

Her show featured tailored mid-calf skirts, cigarette pants and structured jackets accented by draped blouses and liquid satin dresses that take the silhouette back to the body for a sensual fit. Floral camo jacquard appeared throughout the show in shades of emerald, plum and cobalt with accents of guipure lace and embroidery.

There were also star-embellished tulle, revealing cut-outs and sheer. Shimmering evening gowns were enhanced by bold tuxedo jackets beneath embellished milk and longhaired fox jackets.

Lhuillier, whose name is synonymous with ethereal bridal gowns, revealed that supermodel and style icon Kate Moss was her muse for this season.

“The muse behind this collection is Kate Moss because she plays by her own rules,” she said.“The muse behind this collection is Kate Moss because she plays by her own rules,” she said.

The designer’s first foray in footwear and handbag was also introduced that evening.

“Many in the collection are breathtakingly beautiful, but my most favorite is the Look #34,” said Janette Banawis whose daughter Gail is also a fashion model. The favored piece is the forest green multifloral embroidered long sleeve gown, which was paired with an emerald floral satin tie-front peep toe stiletto sandal with cutout detailing. “It was simply magical,” she said.