NYFW – Rafael Cennamo S/S 2013 collection

Italian-Venezuelan designer Rafael Cennamo has seen his dresses worn by huge Hollywood heavy-weights such as Beyoncé and Jada Pinkett Smith, since launching his first collection in 2006. His spring/summer 2013 line was no less than Hollywood worthy. A mix of bright colour and fantasy, the collection was heavily inspired by Japan. “I was inspired by Japanese couture, using hand embroidery to replicate cherry blossoms and creating a kimono shape with metal obi belts. I want a mix of soft and structured.”

Held at The Box stage in Lincoln Center, models wore Japanese Harajuku-inspired make-up and hair up in a tight topknot. Having a strong passion for glamorous evening wear, Cennamo used luxurious fabrics such as silk and chiffon for the S/S 2013 collection. He used edgier structures, reinterpreting classic silhouettes. The colour palette was mainly mint green, Cinderella blue, rose, orange and pops of white and black; the collection was over the top and opulent, but would you have it any other way?

Gillian Horsley