Edward Steichen's iconic photograph of 1920's silent film star Gloria Swanson was Rachel Roy's inspiration for pre-fall. The famous portrait shows the actress gazing into the camera through a veil of webbed lace. Roy used that lace as a jumping-off point, then added in what she called "hints of Eastern exoticism."
Dense beading and sequins covered slipdresses and bodysuits, and three kinds of iridescent rooster feathers coated a sizable leather cape (intrepid partygoers only need apply). Moments of drama aside, there were many wearable looks. Trenchcoats and harem pants in a variety of prints have become the designer's hallmarks. And Roy is still feeling the leopard moment. The pattern showed up in muted tones, most notably on a belted cargo dress in hammered silk. Ultimately, the Rachel Roy customer wants to emulate the designer's bold personal style, so she also showed pieces that looked plucked from her own wardrobe. Frayed tweed suits and secretary blouses in cayenne and lime will take the girl with a busy schedule like Roy's from work to social events.
