“Hello, is there anybody home?” were the lyrics that opened Matthew Williamson’s second New York show, just seconds after Britney Spears had arrived wearing a printed, beaded top from the designer’s new collection. Signaling the high wattage of the event, her fellow front-row occupants included Helena Christensen, Carine Roitfeld, Mario Testino, and a regiment of Sykes sisters.
Titled “Flamingo Bay,” the show was a sumptuous distillation of all Williamson’s strengths into one long, cool fashion cocktail that is sure to be seen around town and in magazine editorials for months to come. The designer’s signature mix of print, pattern, beading and patchwork was perfectly calibrated, especially in a series of breezy, color-infused chiffon dresses and tunics with intricately beaded necklines and the closing series of evening dresses with leafy black overbeading. Yes, there is somebody home, and it looks like he’s going to be around for a while.
