Carmen Marc Valvo autumn/winter 2017 collection presentation for NYFW

A massive line of spectators created a serpentine through the corridors of Pier 59 studios in Manhattan today. Despite the Valentine holiday, their love of fashion prevailed over paramours. The queue, including Alec Baldwin and his daughter (clad of course in Carmen Marc Valvo couture), eventually filed in and practically fought for photo opportunities.

Beyond the throngs of onlookers, six deep on any given side, phones held high, were unmistakable bursts of colour. Pleated chiffon gowns, skirts and tops, in a variety of complementing hues radiated like a warm sunset from beyond the horizon wall of people. Upon varying platforms, models swirled and posed in vortexes of magenta, lilac, rust and cobalt pleated gowns and lighter-than-air skirts.

Styled like Greek goddesses, and in stark contrast to the vintage, doe-eyed dolls of Carmen’s last season, the models effused a bohemian chic glamour. Simple and effortless, their hair was drawn back in low-slung ponytails, with loose locks left romantically tousled by celebrity stylist Ted Gibson. Bold pops of orange and fuchsia burst on eyelids.

 

The sweeping floor-length accordion silk and chiffon gowns could also be seen with coordinating trousers and tops. Fun pleated pinks, fanned out with artful flair, were mirrored in the couture gowns nearby. Dramatic gowns in black of course were a mainstay, serving as a neutral springboard from which the richness of the other colours in the collection could emanate, several cinched with sparkly bead-embellished belts.

Amid the frenzied media, the bustle of the onlookers, and a dazzling array of camera flashes, the cool, calm flow of fabrics yielded a marked serenity. The effortlessly chic gowns radiated a natural grace, against the cold feel of their intended season.

Alex Zarlengo
Photos: Dominique Pettway