The Marchesa show was held in Gallery 2 at Skylight Clarkson Square on Wednesday February 15, 2017 beginning at 5 PM. Despite the wintery weather I was sweating profusely as I waited on line and watched enviously as celebrity dermatologist Pat Wexler and publicity king Andrew Saffir were whisked inside.   Others in the audience included Mandy Moore who wore a black lace top with blue jeans – – a nice mixture of high and low end that has dominated fashion for the past couple of years.

Layered tulle ball gown

Marchesa is one of my favorite shows of the week as they never fail to deliver on their promise of opulence and beauty. Marchesa was established in 2004 by Keren Craig and Georgina Chapman and has become the go-to designer for celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez and Taylor Swift when they are doing a major red carpet awards show. At the recent SAG Awards Kaley Cuoco showed up in one of their cotton candy confections to mixed reviews. However, if you wear one of their designs it is pretty much guaranteed you will end up on a best dressed list.

Chartreuse bugle beaded ankle length gown with ruffle bow skirt

The Fall Winter 2017 Collection drew inspiration from Imperial China. Marchesa’s colorful metallic embroideries and satin materials we were told in the program, “were reminiscent of the rich textiles capturing the glamour of Shanghai.” There is no doubt this collection was regal, jaw-dropping and absolutely magnificent.

Cocktail dress with red floral beaded motif

Out of the 35 pieces shown there was not one misstep – – with each gown and cocktail dress more beautiful than the next. The bodices of chartreuse, olive and amethyst were bold and modern, and the fringes and embroidered capes coupled with silk organzas, feathers and lace were craftsmanship at its finest.

Plunging V-neck tulle cocktail dress with floral embroidery

The collection opened with a cap sleeve column gown with floral embroidery and a long tassel fringe-this multicolored gown was off the charts. The next look was surprisingly different: a chartreuse cutout cocktail dress that screamed “look at me.” This year Marchesa was sexier and edgier than others, with plunging necklines and sheer dresses gracing many of the mannequins.

Strapless gown with black velvet bustier

Nobody does floral embroidery better than Marchesa and the black and gold combinations in floor and cocktail length were executed perfectly. I also loved the introduction of ankle length gowns – – a different approach to evening wear that was unconventional and innovative. Speaking of creative, the softly draped amethyst tulle gown that was practically sheer from head to toe, was as provocative as it gets.

One shoulder amethyst tulle gown with bugle beading

Some other great touches were the bows on gowns and necklines, which added a youthfulness to the gravity of the garments. The grey layered tulle ball gown was dreamy and angelic and my favorite of the collection. Most of the models had their hair pulled back in side parts with some donning bows and flowers on their head – – a truly Alice in Wonderland moment. Their makeup was similarly understated and minimal despite the utilization of makeup guru Gucci Westman – – this was all about the dresses.

Silver beaded column gown

The last three looks were what Marchesa does best: a draped bow top black gown with sexy cutouts and slits, a plunging neckline tiered blue and navy ball-gown and, for the finale, a silver beaded column gown with a flower motif whose beaded fringe was so spectacular it was practically blinding.

– Lieba Nesis

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