Out of the Blue
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| Calvin Klein White Label Spring 2014 Presentation (All Photos Marilyn Kirschner) Click on images for full size views |
Calvin Klein’s White Label held their Spring 2014 presentation yesterday morning. The setting, once again, was the sprawling loft like main floor at 205 West 39th Street. As is always the case, the clothes were shown installation style on models (men and women) with waiters offering refreshments and beverages. It was quick, to the point, efficient, and highly civilized (I wish more designers would stage shows like this quite frankly).
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| Black viscose stretch drop needle stitched dress |
In addition to the models wearing selected pieces, the entire collection and accessories (handbags, footwear, sunglasses, etc.) were displayed on racks and tables set up along one entire side of the wall so that editors could get up close and personal — actually touch and feel the fabrics and materials. Among the highlights were the mid-heeled single sole suede or metallic bandage sandals for the gals and a mid grey leather summer dress shoe for the guys; handsome saffiano leather bags in a variety of shapes and sizes; silver and black spiral rings and bangles; transparent plastic sunglasses for him and her.
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| Laser cut perforated pieces in black & off white |
Because the overall theme for the season is athletic, graphic, modern, sexy, and ‘raw’, the use of metal fences as backdrops, and as a way to separate the fashion into a series of themes or stories, was especially effective. It also worked well with the urban and signature color palette (black, off white & gray) this time enlivened with touches of shades of blues, from pale to vivid. In addition to the surprise of high octane color (especially when used for the guys, as in the stretch cotton sky blue suit worn with layered t shirts), the news this season is the embrace of an all knit way of dressing — exemplified by the engineered pleated knit skirt worn with a mesh link sweater in white, with black underpinnings, and the black viscose stretch mesh drop needle stitched dress which fits like a second skin.
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| Denim |
I know you don’t think performance wear, perforations, track suits, tanks, and sweatshirts belong only in the locker room (sporty and athletic are the height of fashion these days). But, if you do, you might change your mind when you see the fresh, chic, and wearable interpretations here (laser perforated t shirts, dresses, and skirts in black and off white were standouts), as was the perfectly streamlined swimwear.
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| Matte white Lycra one shoulder swimsuit |
You can’t improve upon the simplicity of the matte white lycra one shoulder suit. And of course, what would a Calvin Klein presentation be without a great looking group of All American jeans and denim jackets in a variety of washes and silhouettes, or underwear, for that matter? They were all on display as well.
