Circa '99, green was my favorite color, so I was elated to see the earthy tone back in action on the Fall '10 runways. During New York Fashion Week, a mass resurrection of green in every color variation — forest, olive, chartreuse, apple, and hunter green — spawned decadent beaded gowns, tailored blazers, and my fave, anoraks. A classic color reinvented? We seem to think so.
Fall is almost here! The new season is full of gorgeous colors and sexy new hairstyles, but while it's easy to spot the runway trends that are transitioning to real life, there are plenty of others that we can only hope don't make an appearance at the local mall. So what looks are we hoping stay in the realms of the unreal? Click through to see the styles that, for all our sakes, we hope we're not trying come September.
>> Last night, in a dimly-lit warehouse space in New York's Hell's Kitchen, Marios Schwab unveiled his first collection for Halston. The house has had a rocky past since its namesake designer died in 1990, not excluding under the current management of Harvey Weinstein; in other words, the pressure was on for Fall 2010, with the feeling very do or die.
The models stood, sat, or lounged in a mirrored set, full of linear and geometric shapes, showing off their largely monochrome looks in a variety of colors. There was plenty of draping to go around, but also a bit of stiffness — one tan dress had a barely detectable pentagon shape coming out of its center. Marios, mingling with the crowd, explained that he was less interested in the Halston archives — he only used his memories of the pieces — and instead focused on the Halston idea of creating timeless pieces for strong women. He said of his Halston girl: "She is open minded. She is the daughter of the original Halston woman.”
Harvey Weinstein and newly-named Halston president and chief creative officer Sarah Jessica Parker, too, were on hand — the latter overheard saying when she arrived, “Excuse me, I have to meet Marios!” before congratulating the designer. Kate Young styled, and Schwab had London-based jeweler Jacqueline Rabun create silver accessories — including ear cuffs — in organic shapes remniscent of Elsa Peretti's work for the original Halston.
Puff-strapped sandals caught the eye of many, but on a whole, Cathy Horyn was still not convinced:
Marios Schwab, the latest designer at Halston, appeared to struggle in his first effort. A handful of fluid silk jersey dresses looked Halston-ish. But it was hard to see how his lineup of stiffly constructed dresses and twisted velvet chemises varied significantly from his own label in London. It’s not that Mr. Schwab has to adapt his style to the heritage of Halston. Who remembers exactly what that was, anyway? But the two sides need to stop fighting so much.
In recent years too many designers have passed through the house of Halston, but let us all hope Marios Schwab sticks around for more than a season or two. With no more than a gentle nod to the house's historic roots, last night Schwab presented a powerful, modern fall 2010 collection for Halston which was decidedly more confident than past designers' attempts.
The 1978 film starring Faye Dunaway, The Eyes of Laura Mars, inspired both the set design—3D shards of mirror—and the collection's jewel tone palette. Color was used most notably in a yellow gold knit cape dress, an emerald green tunic and trouser combo, a blue velvet draped dress, and a crimson boat neck mini with epaulettes. Softer shades—putty, blush, and gray—provided some contrast in an group of neoprene sculpted dresses and fur embellished coats and sweater dresses, often outlined in graphic Swarovski studs.
As beautiful as the clothes were, we must admit the footwear almost stole the show. Neutral-colored booties with slits down the front, mink and pony shearling gladiator heels, sandal straps made with puffy suede tubes, and chunky chain platforms had nearly every editor we spoke to eager to place their personal orders.
Sarah Jessica Parker was in attendance (animated and looking quite pleased), no doubt soaking up inspiration for her upcoming Halston Heritage collection. Perhaps Parker is owed a little credit for this collection as well. In her new role, she will be responsible for the reinvention of signature pieces, which gives Schwab the freedom to dream up more forward-thinking designs for the storied label.
Sarah Jessica Parker gave off major style vibes as she led the Fashion Week brigade to the Halston show in a pleated gold lamé top — by Halston, of course — and cropped leather pants. For accessories, the newly reigning chief creative officer of Halston injected extra texture and shine via a sparkling necklace, structured thorn clutch by Cassandra LA, and decadent Prada studded sandals. Chain wrap bracelets and a square-cut ring complete her fashion fire.
Check out CelebStyle for lots more celebrity street style!
When we first heard about Sarah Jessica Parker's collab with Halston's Heritage line, we knew it was a match made in fashion heaven. However, we didn't know just how much SJ Parker is investing in her new endeavor. Today, it has been confirmed that SJP will reign as president and chief creative officer of Halston. "I think this is a brand new kind of business model and it illustrates how serious I am about this position," said Parker. "I think it’s wonderful to feel invested in something."
To read the rest of what SJP has to say, read more
It's official — Sarah Jessica Parker will be working on Halston's Heritage line. So it's fitting that she wore not one, but two Halston dresses on the set of Sex and the City 2. Do you love this Halston Heritage Electric Blue Metallic Stripe Dress? You can channel Carrie Bradshaw in it for $435. I love how the disco silhouette and accordion pleats are given a splash of modern via a vivacious hue and metallic fabric. Just lovely.
>> After reports yesterday, Halston confirmed that a deal with Sarah Jessica Parker has been signed. She's not expected to be involved in Marios Schwab's upcoming designer line for the brand, but will rather be focusing on an active design role — perhaps even as creative director — in Halston Heritage, the brand's contemporary label.
Paper's Mickey Boardman reports of the agreement:
A source at Halston tells us that SJP will actually be a member of the company's board and will receive equity in the company. Company insiders insist all designing will be handled by creative director Marios Schwab and shudder at comparisons to the House of Ungaro which has suffered ridicule for it's affiliation with actress Lindsay Lohan.
We're beyond thrilled that Sarah Jessica Parker will, in fact, have an active design role at Halston. Is it a match made in fashion heaven? SJP has years of fashion knowledge under her stylish belt(s) — from embodying Carrie Bradshaw to her defunct Steve & Barry's Bitten line to her red-carpet wonders; she has a lot to offer Halston's secondary line, Heritage. The luxury house is all about gorgeous draping, comfortable, sexy cuts, and bold, solid hues. We think SJP fits the bill, do you? Click on to see some vintage Halston imagery and photos of SJP in Halston-esque looks.
