NYFW – Carmen Marc Valvo A/W 2014 collection

Carmen Marc Valvo’s stunning creations once again graced the New York fashion runway yesterday at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Lincoln Center.  The inspiration for his autumn/winter 2014 collection came from the crossroads of Constantinople, where the opulence of the Ottoman Empire met and blended with the austerity and passion of the Crusaders.

The collection is luxurious and stern, passionate and restrained.  Carmen Marc Valvo’s women are strong, warrior-like, fearless, focused and proud, but they also show a hint of vulnerability within their powerfully seductive selves. The designer explains that something as subtle as a flash of skin through layers of lace can bring forth seduction and enticement;  a clash of colours can create a battlefield-like impression and feel.  Carmen Marc Valvo’s women are both “ready for battle” and “ready for love”.

On the runaway there were evening gowns, cocktail dresses, riding coats, fur coats, tunics, leather pants, lace skirts and lace gowns. There was an extensive use of metal-work, such as chainmail, and a clear predilection for fabrics with mosaic-like textures. The preferred colours were gold, persimmon, black, gunmetal, steel and dark peacock. 

The show was also Taylor Foster’s last appearance on Carmen Marc Valvo’s runway. For over a decade the model has been his great source of inspiration. The relationship that develops between a designer and his muse is a uniquely intimate one as the designer puts “complete faith in that person’s judgment, allowing them to serve almost as an alter ego”.  Carmen Marc Valvo compares  working closely with a muse to dancing a tango:  “It can be slow and moody or fiery and passionate, submissive or aggressive.  And sometimes when [one] dances with [his] muse in perfect harmony, magic is created.”

Taylor Foster will always be Carmen Marc Valvo’s muse.  The love and adoration that he has for her “are simply overwhelming”. The show ended with the designer and Taylor Foster walking on the runway to receive an enthusiastic appreciation from their audience.

Carolina Flaminia Perrone
Photos: Esther Horvath

To watch the video of Carmen Marc Valvo’s runway show visit here.

To see all of Carmen Marc Valvo’s creations (including footwear, swim and eyewear) visit the designer’s website.