Carmen Marc Valvo spring/summer 2017 collection catwalk show for NYFW

On Sunday evening in Manhattan, a vestige of a summer breeze warmed the throngs of spectators filing into Pier 59 studios in Chelsea. As they made their way to their seats both astride and lining the middle of the runway, the stage was set for Carmen Marc Valvo’s spring/summer 2017 runway show to begin. Whimsical lollipops lined the seats of the front row adorned with the designer’s logo. A four-line poem alluding to the collection’s inspiration accompanied the program notes, describing “simpler times…and doll-like eyes”. Clearly this was to be a show with overtones of simplicity, innocence, and fun.

Updating traditional florals with bold, yet whimsical stripes, the collection brought about the warm, sepia-tinged memories of New York’s Coney Island Boardwalk. Fresh-faced models poised like porcelain dolls displayed the collection styled with doe-eyes, crimped candy-floss coiffures, and coquettish pouts. A dynamic mélange of gowns, swimwear, and menswear were a sensory carnival with a classic couture edge.

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Inspiration from the summer days of childhood added a new feature to the line: sneakers. Sneakers, of course, embellished with fine embroidery which delineated the simple yet effective color palette of black, ivory, sand, and poppy red. This fun and functional addition to the collection gave a sense of whimsy and nostalgia when juxtaposed with flowing gowns.

Dewey, dolled-up models complete with hair ribbons, appear jump right out of the toy chest of yesteryear and into playful modern couture. The silk organza pieces themselves burst with bouquets of hand-stitched floral embellishments. One-piece swimsuits were completely covered with dozens of scalloped beaded floral appliqués, while floral flourishes on gown bodices slowly dispersed into lone blossoms on the skirt.

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Drop-waist rompers and graduated striped cocktail skirts were set with baby-doll proportions. Striped black and white bodices divided with a black satin ribbon waistlines to stunning white brocade bell skirts.

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Mop-topped male models with tousled locks displayed a contrasting look to the summery and light colour palette of Valvo’s dolls. Black and white pinstripe pants, jackets, and T-shirts gave a playfully noir edge to the vintage theme of the collection.

The collection closed out with a series of classic tailored gowns with full skirts. Each with its own unique impact of colour, fabric and detailing. The summer was over, but not without its lasting impact of flowing organza and lace. Whimsical nostalgia and childlike innocence blended with couture silhouettes to bring about a collection that truly put a fun spin on classic design. The muse of the sweet halcyon days of summers gone-by was more than evident as guests exited the studio, lolly in hand. 

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Alex Zarlengo
Photos: Getty Images

For further information about Carmen Marc Valvo visit here.