New York Fashion Week :: Linda Loudermilk [The ZOO]

Linda Loudermilk :: Spring Summer 2006

The tone of the Linda Loudermilk's Spring 2006 show was set by a violinist, an esoteric percussionist (who I later learned had done the music for Crouching Tiger) and a computer digital musician. I had been chatting casually to a few of Linda's closest friends and they were giving me the skinny on the designer and her organic philosophy so I initially didn't know what to expect. When the girls finally started to walk down the runway, I knew immediately I was in for a visual treat.

Bamboo fabric and matte jerseys that looked like the most amazing silk, gorgeous camisoles, skirts and dresses that seemed like they were small works of art, layering of textures,one over the other to create a subtle and effective palette ran consistently through the whole show. I distinctly felt as thought I was seeing something really new and fresh. The colors were subdued, as in most of the shows so far, of bone, sage, camel, and pale grey. The juxtaposition of various textures playing off one another while coupled with the clean lines prevented it from looking too complex. I really wanted every piece that walked out. This is quite rare for me as I am not known for being a one designer kind of girl but in this case, I could imagine that I would be completely happy to turn out all season long in Ms. Loudermilk's duds.

The hair and makeup had interesting twists as well. The hair was quite sculptural, messes of brillo pad-like buns were strategically placed high at the sides, leaving a cascade of hair to fall below. The makeup was minimal and about as granola as you'd get if you were to think "green" with the exception of a pop of burnished brick lip stain that finished the face. It wasn't a street look overall, but for this showing, it worked well.

All in all, I feel like I discovered a new Golden Girl and will definitely be keeping a keen eye trained on her next endeavor. [Kelley Quan]