Designer Gilles Mendel
On the final day of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, J. Mendel freshened things up by showing a ‘Presentation’ in the Salon Tent, a welcomed alternative to the traditional runway show. Here, we were able to get up close & personal with the clothes, and really see the fine details (of which there were many).
Not only could you take your time to really drink in and explore each piece within the collection, but the presentation-style set up also allowed for some mingling, photo opps, and champagne to be enjoyed–while lacking the stressful seating frenzy.
Because it is also so important to see how the garments move, the models took turns rocking the center runway and posing underneath an arch at the end for the photographers, while the other models stood on elevated light boxes like mannequins, posing for the onlookers.
Designer, Gilles Mendel, described the Fall 2010 look as “elements of nature
brought to a downtown scene.” As seen throughout the week, layering and an unexpected blend of fabrics were also big here, as well as fur accents, which were a collaboration with Kopenhagen Fur.
Tweeds and furs were blended with crystallized landscapes, metallic embellishments, and gold thread linings. The looks were accessorized by louche hand-knitted mink skull caps, hoods and mittens, with jewelry by Christine McPartland.
The collection included wool and cashmere coats, cocktail dresses, skirts, and full length gowns which came in deep reds, Prussian blues and volcanic greens.
A stand out look that seemed to personify the overall collection was a dyed silver fox vest with a sequined panel along the back side of the vest, seen worn over top of a molten red satin face silk mousseline cocktail dress.
During the show, I had a chance to catch up with Ted Gibson of Ted Gibson Salon, who handled the hair for the show. It was definitely more of a slick look, as opposed to anything too feminine or soft. “I used L’Oreal Professional ‘Freezing Mist’ to create the sleek and sexy look,” Ted told me as he looked on at the presentation, “It’s all straight and down, but what you might not see is that there is a section of hair on each side, pinned back, with sleek hair flowing over top.”
This was Ted’s fourth and final show of this week, using 12 of his team members per show from both his New York and D.C. salons.
*Ted Gibson of Ted Gibson Salon
Make up was handled by Bobbi Brown Cosmetics. “The J. Mendel woman for Fall is strong and chic, and has an effortless and modern sex appeal,” said Wendy Rowe on behalf of Bobbi Brown Co. The makeup, like the hair, was very polished and structured.
Shoes were all by Christian Louboutin, with the signature red soles accenting the looks. They were mostly all in the same ankle-boot cut except for a few slouched booties, that better complimented the short dresses with which they were paired.
Images: IMAXtree.com/Matteo Volta