The show opened with a series of the duo’s signature sweeping, draped and gathered jersey dresses, which first put them on the map when they launched in 2006. In icy and subdued shades of dove gray, pale blue and soft pink, they’re the types of dresses that strike the ever elusive balance between casual and dramatic. The collection then moved into satin cocktail dress territory, evoking the elegance of late 1950s style and maybe even just taking the tiniest bit of inspiration from Charles James. As these dresses came out intermittently — between bouts of athletic-inflected eyelet dresses that would look just as appropriate on the streets as the tennis courts, and a sexy cut-out black jumpsuit — they escalated into full-blown jewel tones of emerald, sapphire and garnet. In short and long versions, these gowns (to call them anything else would be doing them a great disservice), with their ruffles and ruching and body-flattering shapes, were gorgeous. Other notable silhouettes included high-necked long and cropped capes befitting a chic and considerably less intimidating Maleficent, and stretch satin crop tops with dramatic bows.
The only accessorizing throughout the show was the models’ nails. Created by CND education ambassador Jennifer Mather, each outfit had its own distinct nail design, ranging from feminine florals to graphic and jewel-encrusted art.
images: George Pimentel
