Fluff's out, tough's in

(China Daily)
Updated: 2009-02-20 13:45

When the going gets tough, the clothes get tougher.

Narciso Rodriguez was among the designers who prepared for battle at New York Fashion Week on Tuesday with an urban warrior theme that featured exposed zipper details, "camouflage lace" and heavy belts that looked as if they were holding bullets.

Even elegant Badgley Mischka was more somber than red-carpet ready, opening with an aggressive daytime look and a series of black pieces with a taffeta-wool checkerboard weave.

(Left): Aggressive outfits dominate the Herve Leger collection. (Right): A model in a Badgley Mischka outfit.[Agencies]

Tough-as-nails dresses heavy on black and metallics were on the runways of Herve Leger and Nicole Miller, with other designers relying on aggressive hardware or patent-leather trims. Even the usually girlish Cynthia Rowley presented an almost all-black collection.

It's a trend that fits with the strong shoulder (and shoulder pads) that have also been prominent during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week which ends today.

Even in these tough times, you can't keep a good gown down. Badgley Mischka made the crowd wait until the last look for the glitz and glamour the label is known for, but there it was, in all its glory.

Previous 1 2 3 Next Page