The Proenza look headed in an elegant new direction; the collection included boxy tweed jackets, pencil skirts, beautiful fluorescent and black lace fabrics, and drop-waist dresses.
Shibori, a Japanese dyeing technique in which a pattern is created by manipulating the fabric in a variety of ways (think binding, folding, twisting), was used for painterly effects on skirts, tops, and dresses.
Green and yellow pops of color also added dimension to evening wear, especially when incorporated with lace.
McCollough and Hernandez offered a number of silhouettes this season, from fitted to low-waist and drop-waist looks, making the collection appealing to a wide demographic, while still designing with a young clientele in mind.
The best looks were the looser, softer shapes that showed off the designers’ handle on working with transparency and the lingerie look in a sophisticated way.
The consistently beautiful shoes included a variety of flats (note the gladiator-style sandals that closed the show) and understated pumps, and the two-toned handbags that opened the show may well be Spring/Summer 2011’s answer to the popular Proenza Schouler PS1 leather bags.
