Victoria Beckham shows new hip, boyish spring look in NY
Fashion week in the Big Apple went into high gear with a flood of A-listers – from pop prince Justin Bieber to curvy « Mad Men » siren Christina Hendricks to Beckham’s soccer star husband David – lining the front rows.
But it was Beckham’s daughter Harper who nearly stole her show as the former Spice Girl unveiled a boyish, more chilled out look for next spring, with the toddler bouncing on her husband’s lap in the front row.
Even the super serious celebrity editor of Vogue, Anna Wintour, cracked a smile.
Beckham explained that she had decided to « explore new proportions » using boyish elements against a sense of femininity.
« I love a fitted dress, but there is a different side of me that is more relaxed, « said the 39-year-old mother of four.
Beckham still loves delicate pleats — which poked out in tennis white from underneath flirty asymmetrical mini-skirts — and belted body-hugging dresses.
But her new collection for spring-summer 2014 also offered up new silhouettes. She opened with a white round-shouldered blazer paired with loose, cropped black pants.
Loose-fitting tunics with flares low over the hips and a bit of gauzy transparency here and there joined the series of fun, kicky mini-skirts.
The former pop star has come into her own as a designer since she took the fashion world by surprise in her first runway show in New York in 2008.
Her collection — like practically all those seen this fashion week — was dominated by black and white, with some grey and a touch of fuchsia or bordeaux.
Veteran Belgian-born designer Von Furstenberg, best known for her trademark wrap dress, presented her latest collection in a party mood to Robin Thicke’s « Blurred Lines. »
The surprise appearance of 43-year-old Campbell in a black and gold dress set cameras flashing and prompted applause at Von Furstenberg’s show.
Long, fluid dresses with bold prints — snakes, lions, zebra, jungle — made their way down the catwalk before Von Furstenberg herself did a little dance as she appeared at the end.
« Be your own oasis… an unexpected source of renewal, serenity and beauty, » read the designer’s explanatory note.
Japanese fashion designer Yohji Yamamoto put on an edgy, loud show for his new Y-3 collection.
Pop superstar Bieber and True Blood star Joe Manganiello sat in the front row as seven drummers energetically banged away and models walked criss-cross across a vast warehouse-like space to furiously flashing lights.
Urban styles, black, a blue-grey leopard print, flowing tie-dye style dresses and skirts and massive bright yellow wedge shoes, were what Yamamoto described as « meaningless excitement. »
One black dress had a flowing train and three bold white stripes down the back, while models had dramatic eyeshadow and a long braid slung over one shoulder — with a colorful feather in it.
« Last year we celebrated 10 years of collaboration with Adidas so this year we had to start anew. We needed some excitement or craziness, » he told AFP.
Thai-American designer Thakoon Panichgul unveiled his latest collection for his eponymous label that he said celebrated all the classic, feminine pieces « a woman should have in her wardrobe. »
The classic white t-shirt, something red, something sexy.
Long pearls were draped over the outfits and diamonds added a bit of sparkle whether peeking out from under a skirt, on a cuff or a collar. Several models wore thigh high boots-cum-stockings made of bonded lace.
Actress Christina Ricci told AFP she thought the show was « amazing. I love the idea of luxury, the jewellery. »
Zac Posen, seen as fashion’s next-big-thing, was the real celebrity drawcard, and Mad Men star Hendricks wore a dark red dress of his to the show. « I feel like I am wearing wine, » gushed the star.
The designs « based on soft, undulating curves and lush sculptural volumes » were ultra romantic in lavenders, pastel pinks, baby yellows and ruffled gowns, while models wore flowers in their hair.
British-born TV presenter Kelly Osbourne said she loved Posen’s new looks.
« Wow, so breathtaking. He outdid himself. I would never think to construct fabric in that way using the colours he did. It is so feminine but so strong, » she told AFP.
The seven-day fashion frenzy runs through Thursday when the spotlight swings over to London, Milan and Paris.
