New York Fashion Week :: Carmen Marc Valvo [The ZOO]

Carmen Marc Valvo :: Fall 2006

A designer who will not let youth-centric fashion culture push him or his "powerful woman" clientele into a corner, Valvo just said no: to pencil pants, wedge heels, PETA and color. For a woman who entertains, never flies coach and frequents charity events, this collection is a declaration of independence. Mink, cashmere and satin made you wish you were allowed to touch the hems of the model's dresses as they passed by. High-waisted satin skirts were matched with sheer boat neck blouses. The hair followed suit: sophisticated and simple. Each woman came down the runway as if she had stepped off a plane. Oh In Argentina. Open toe shoes and patent leather pumps accompanied flapper fringe and shift dresses.

Clean lines, a monochromatic palette, and play with geometry made Valvo a soldier marching to his own beat. The gowns were delicate and showed off collar bones and backs, with deep V-necks surprising us as the models disappeared. For me, it was a similar surprise that had me leaning forward: a 50's inspired creme dress was walking away from me when suddenly they appeared: big buttons that mimicked a double breasted navy coat, but on the back of a party dress!

REPRESENT: Cameras flocked when Vanessa Williams entered, a perfect example of a Valvo woman. INSPIRATION BOARD: Helmut Ditch and the Arctic. [Xenia Viray] more...