Relevance to modern life—and the modern fashion consumer—never seems to be at the forefront of Jeremy Scott's mind. He sees fashion more as an opportunity for cheeky social commentary (as in his "I want money" collection, where models threw fake gold coins into the audience) and a chance to indulge his sense of tongue-in-cheek, kitschy retro-futurism. Sometimes timely and amusing, his collections can also easily veer into the realm of gimmick.
Scott’s spring show, called "Venus Rising," might as well have been called "Valley Girls in Space." With a rock-covered stage set and models sporting pointy Vulcan eyebrows and popped-up shoulders, the event recalled his space-age fall presentation, though with a more restrained group of colors. The designer started with some cute, wearable pieces including simple fitted minidresses and jersey shorts and tops. He then segued into a rainbow of bathing suits, some consisting of a mere strip or two of fabric. That was followed by a group of dresses, each with a distinct identity: One featured a pheasant-feather bodice over a shredded tan chiffon skirt, another was a simple silky robe in sea colors.
Scott clearly has enough imagination and skill to makes his shows consistently memorable. But his focus on developing a recognizable signature—and the business to go with it—could be stronger.
