Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week NY: Fall 2009 Brian Reyes

Brian Reyes’ show on Thursday took him to new “heights,” literally. When Colombian-raised Reyes, who earned a few notches on his fashion belt while at Michael Kors and De la Renta, decided to collaborate with shoe icon, Manolo Blahnik, I’m sure he had no idea what he was in for. Way too high, or way too big, whatever the case, the shoes were just NOT working and were quickly abandoned by some models, who paraded sans stilettos. Known for dressing a slew of Hollywood’s hot ingenues, Reyes’ fresh, young collection was, nevertheless, impeccable.

Stone Age: Strong, structured separates with silky blouses, slinky belted dresses, and pointed pumps (which caused way too much trouble than they were worth!), helped to revive the powerful, take-charge business woman of the Eighties. The graphic marble prints, straight out Bedrock, made the whole collection very Wilma and Betty meets Tess and Katharine.*

*(Working Girl, for those who are out of the loop)

Shapes and silhouettes: With this collection, Reyes tapped every woman’s inner ” naughty secretary” . Boxy shoulders paired with classic pencil skirts, slim fitting dresses, and three-quarter sleeve car coats lended a very vintage and feminine sensuality to the collection.  

Color palette: Inspired by rock quarries around the world, the palette was earthy, including shades of grays, dusty charcoal and umber, offset with bright shots of electric blue, brick red, and mustard-seed/gold.

Overall critique: Looking like the infamous runway scene from SATC (when Carrie bites the dust, then proudly finishes her strut with shoe in hand), Reyes’ heel drama proved to be a bit distracting, if not entertaining, to all involved. The shiny, disco-era fabric, short hemlines, and bright colors made the collection youthful and funky, albeit not very suitable for fall.

I died for…the glittering gemstone jewelery, created in collaboration with Roxanne Assoulin from Lee Angel, that perfectly accented the color palette and mood.

Front Row Faces…incuded the classier hotel heiress, Ivanka Trump, as well as a Reyes’ favorite follower, Rachel Bilson.

 

 

 

 

 

Photo credits: Getty Images