Marchesa Spring 2017 Tiered gown with flutter sleeves and horsehair details in nude illusion tulle with multi-colored embroidery All photos: Lieba Nesis – click images for full size views

The Marchesa show was held at the Dock at Moynihan Station on Wednesday September 14, 2016 to an excited and celebrity packed crowd. The celeb spottings over the past couple of fashion weeks have been minimal but being that Georgina Chapman is married to uber Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein and dresses many luminaries for the Academy Awards it was pretty much guaranteed there would be some well known faces.

Strap column gown with draped bodice in smoky blue illusion tulle with silver floral and wheat threadwork

As Courtney Love, Alyssa Milano, Nina Dobrev, Jerry Hall, Coco Rocha and Karolina Kurkova streamed in, they were accompanied by news crews from Extra and E! making it almost impossible to maneuver through the crowd. Even publicity King Andrew Saffir and partner Daniel Benedict arrived after hosting Barbra Streisand for dinners and functions this past summer.

One shoulder Grecian gown in gold lame with gold metallic lace and gold fabric flower corsage

Marchesa was established in 2004 by Keren Craig and Georgina Chapman and has become the go to designer for superstars such as Sandra Bullock, Taylor Swift and Jennifer Lopez. It is almost guaranteed you will end up on a best dressed list if you show up in one of their designs. There are few designers who do spectacular evening wear better than Marchesa and tonight’s show exceeded expectations.

The run of show was pretty corny stating Marchesa Spring 2017 “draws inspiration and beauty from sunrise to twilight… Golden wheat fabrics and textures are reminiscent of rich harvest fields at dawn”-this sounds like a Harlequin novel. Nonetheless, the beauty and romance of the collection was worthy of these sappy accolades. The 35 looks exhibited were almost unanimously beautiful with a few black cocktail dresses and gowns missing the mark.

Mint Green Ball Gown with multi-tiered skirt and cape in laser cut crinoline and silver beading

However, when it came to floral appliques, ruffled gowns and 3D embroidery the results were astounding. The opening looks were heavenly; the rainbow pastel gowns coupled with ribbons and organza ruffles were soft and inviting and reminiscent of celestial bodies. Even the iridescent lace was feminine especially when coupled with silver Marchesa shoes. The shoes, handbags and jewelry were all produced by Marchesa so I guess the Harvey Weinstein business aesthetic has rubbed off on his lovely wife. As the mint and blue tulle dresses came down the runway, whether cocktail or floor length, they were always proportioned appropriately with an elongated silhouette and figure-hugging fit.

Halter neck gown of tulle and lame georgette with gold cascading threadwork

Some of the more predictable color combinations were the black and pink and black and gold florals. The draped scarves that formed a train on many of the gowns were dramatic without being over the top. Some exquisite detailing included a nude tiered gown with fluttered sleeves and horsehair in nude illusion tulle-this was magical and yes you heard it right, horsehair was utilized throughout. There was even a one shoulder Grecian gown in gold lame for those rockers, akin to Courtney Love, in the house. The introduction of metallics into Marchesa is reflective of a move to become more edgy and youth oriented. However, in keeping with Marchesa tradition many of the dresses were Academy Award ready and I wouldn’t be surprised if an Emma Stone or an Alicia Vikander chose them for their next red carpet.

Gown with voluminous ruffles in blue ombre tones with silver, gold opal and blue crystal beading

The only unfortunate look was the black stretch silk crepe dress-it looked like a Forever 21 reject and was completely out of sync with the collection. The last couple of looks were so dramatic there were audible gasps in the audience at the luxuriousness of the ensembles. Firstly, the blue tulle draped Grecian gown was sleek and sexy with a fluidity that was Gatsby Esque. The last gown with voluminous ruffles in blue ombre’ tones with gold, silver, opal and blue crystal beading was jaw dropping-the model, Irina, looked like she was about to take flight; If you are curious as to how I knew her name it is because all of the models are listed by their names in the program-a nice personal touch.

At the conclusion of the show, which contained soft classical harmonious music, Georgina Chapman and Keren Craig arrived on stage to thunderous applause. The beauty of Georgina and Keren was rivaled only by their great collection.

Better Bets 9-15-16

Isaac Mizrahi Live Plaid Expansion Watch

Be mad for plaid with this stylish watch from Isaac Mizrahi. It comes in five different plaids and the expansion bracelet is color coordinated with the dial and crown.

Available at: www.qvc.com $39.00

KYBOE!  Gold Sand Watch

KYBOE!  Watches have landed on our shores, inspired by the colorful tulip fields of the Netherlands. There is one to suit every personality. This gold hued watch has a stainless steel case and a silicone band.

Available at: www.kyboe.com $250.00-$270.00

– Rhonda Erb
For more Better Bets visit: http://betterbetsny.tumblr.com/

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