Francesca Liberatore’s Fall/Winter 2016 show was packed to the brim with an eclectic crowd. When I finally finagled my way to my seat, I plopped down and glanced across the runway. Photographer idol Nigel Barker sat directly across from me. Fashion Week exhaustion aside, I popped right back up out of my seat and introduced myself. No nerves could keep me from speaking with this internationally renowned photographer and judge of America’s Next Top Model. We had a brief, yet cordial interaction, and I happily carried along my way. Other front row sightings included stylists Jonathan Bedrock and Terry Artis, recording artists Sunnery James and Ryan Marciano, model Shaun Ross, internet personality Gigi Gorgeous, actor Eric West, and producer Solomon Ray.
The first look of the collection was a sleek black dress cinched at the waist in the back, with one sheer nude sleeve. Hair was loosely slicked, as if having been caught in the rain. Skin was dewy and eyes were metallic and smoky. More black and nude sheer looks followed, including liquid leather pants and fur handbags. Sharp, crisp lines printed on flowing fabric contrasted delicate fur collars. Then a pop of red appeared in the form of a circle scarf, paired with a black and white dress. Skirts and dresses had panels of fabric hanging off the sides that provided a refreshing asymmetrical look. Then shades of navy and green came into play in belted vests and high-low dresses. A playful tan rain jacket had three pockets along the front and a fun geometric circle detail on the back. More cool raincoats hit the stage in shiny black and red colors, worn with skinny black pants. A green raincoat was cinched at the hem, creating a bubble effect. The slickest coat of all had an asymmetrical collar and a black and white geometric printed back, falling just above the knee.
When the models emerged for the finale, they held water-colored paintings of faces in front of their own. Each painting had the name of a newspaper pasted on it, such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post. Perhaps Italian designer Liberatore was portraying a media-soaked society. If so, I wouldn’t mind being constantly drenched with the latest buzz while wearing one of her spectacular rain jackets!
*Photos by Kathleen O’Neill
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