Illesteva, plus Patrik Ervell, Cynthia Rowley, Loden Dager, Elise Øverland, Suzanne Rae and Vivienne Tam.
Images by Brandie Raasch.
While Fashion Week is technically about clothing, the weekend’s best “show” was that of eyewear brand Illesteva, where a full orchestra served as models. Wearing various styles from the Fall 2011 collection, they worked their way through early 19th century and contemporary symphonies. Waiters greeted guests with a platter of glasses to touch and try. Handmade in Italy and France, the novel specs come in predominately classic shapes reworked with modern materials.
Close on the innovative heels of the musical spectacular was Elise Øverland’s presentation on the ice-rink in front of The Standard Hotel. Waiting for the show to begin, guests received spiked cider. Once out on the ice, models eschewed skating for standing around in furs and digital prints, which popped against the monochrome rink. Silhouettes were kept long and lean. Finally, to ensure everyone got their fill of action, Johnny Weir came out to perform a few tricks.
Moving on to Patrik Ervell…
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Illesteva
…the term glide took on a different meaning. “Flight suit was my jumping off point,” explained Ervell. “I’m really interested in garments that have these extreme functions, that are extremely beautiful.” The result of the designer’s attraction was silk painted bomber jackets and slim-fitting embellished flight suits in orange rubber Adirondack. Billowing white parachutes lining the runway reiterated the aeronautical vibe.
Loden Dager, meanwhile, envisioned an uptown boy with downtown sensibilities, the type who would wear a mink motorcycle jacket with a wool sweater and tailored trousers, or top pajama pants with a cropped leather jacket and sweater. A pair of hand-painted brogues gave him just a touch of ’80 East Village punk.
Loden Dager
