Like planets orbiting the sun, trends are constantly circling the fashion universe, and lucky is the designer who happens to be in the right place when his stars align. Brit favorite Matthew Williamson, who has been doing colorful and sexy his whole career, is perfectly positioned to enjoy the swingy, tropical feeling and lingerie-infused moments that are dominating New York’s runways.
That’s a good thing, since Williamson, whose first flagship store will open in London next year, would probably rather die than do, say, careerwear or minimalism. His opening outfit summed up his “where’s the party” attitude: a crisp white trapeze coat and a pair of jeans ornamented with tiny pompons on the back pockets. The whites, and some soft gray corduroy, were a foundation for a collection bursting with colors like cobalt blue, pink, and purple, as well as prints (especially a vivid peacock motif) and embroideries. The designer used chiffons, satins, and bold Jacquards to make butterfly-sleeve tops, cowboy shirts, and trim, decorative coats, and gave a few of his models big snakeskin satchels in—what else?—metallic lamé. (The same material showed up in his shoes, Williamson’s first foray into footwear.)
There were a couple of questionable pieces, like the poorly constructed embroidered dresses that closed the proceedings. But overall, Williamson provided plenty of choices for society girls and celebs (like Mischa Barton of The O.C., seated front row) to wear out on the town.
