“Elements of nature brought to a downtown scene” is how J. Mendel described his Fall 2010 RTW collection. The inspiration taken from Ryan McGinley’s “MOONMILK” series of vibrant and cavernous photos.
I had the pleasure to be wowed by Gilles Mendel and his Fall 2010 collection on the last day of NY Fashion Week, February 18, 2010. As the doors opened to the Salon models were perched upon white pedestals taking turns stepping down to walk the runway for the photographers.
I was immediately drawn into the statement fur coats and the fur accessories. This Paris bred designer demonstrated his ability to work with fox, mink and black swakara to create sophisticated coats and vests that are as “luxurious on the inside as the outside”. A ranch mink messenger bag and brown dyed silver fox muff accessorized the looks.
The cocktail dresses and gowns injected color into the Fall collection as you circled the room. The palette included volcanic greens, prussian blues and hues of deep red. The silk georgette was beautifully draped with ruffle and bead detail. The hand done ruched trim and one shoulder dresses added an understated elegance to his evening wear.
To give a more downtown edge models wore gunmetal pyramid jewelry designed by Christine McPartland. I also need to give a nod to the Christian Louboutin black boots. Even the boots were wearing fur.
PHOTOS: WWD
