Following a Spring collection that meshed elements of two fashion-forward cities—Paris and New York—Catherine Malandrino found her pre-fall inspiration in something a bit more, well, down home. Soil and dust were the unlikely starting points for the designer's new dresses. Gone (and, we must admit, sorely missed) were the sporty, skin-baring separates from last season, replaced here by jewel-toned cocktail frocks in a crepe and satin blend with ruching at the midsection. Floor-length gowns in midnight blue and burnt umber had elegant cascading sleeves meant to reflect beachside dunes. Malandrino's signature jumpsuit, the only non-dress on display, was updated with a softer, more feminine feel. That look and a simple gold cap-sleeve gown cinched at the bust were most memorable. With red-carpet season just around the corner, the latter could be making the rounds.
