A Touch of Fantasy : Christmas Fashion Show Features Sumptuous Fabrics That Feel as Good as They Look
Holiday wrappings are all about sumptuous fabrics that are as gorgeous to the touch as they are to the eye. That was the resounding message from Giorgio Armani, TSE Cashmere, Calvin Klein, Fendi and other design houses that presented their winter wares Tuesday at “A Christmas Fantasy” fashion show luncheon at the Ritz Carlton in Dana Point.
About 650 guests turned out for the 10th anniversary event, which is sponsored by South Coast Plaza and benefits the South County Community Clinic Auxiliary. The San Juan Capistrano clinic provides health-care services annually to more than 18,000 uninsured and under-insured patients.
Theatrics swept the runway, at times in a most unconventional way. Dancers moved the lunching ladies with their hip-hop maneuvers around luggage from Bottega Veneta. Even the ever-sensible Easy Spirit pumps were given a, uh, sexy boost via levitation from a magician and models clad in skimpy Santa costumes.
From couture to junior fashions, the clothes showcased seemed to beg to be touched: Velvet, silk, cashmere and brushed wool were generously used.
Check out trousers ultra-flared or slim, plus vests, jackets and dresses in black velvet from Emporio Armani. Along the same feel, the lace patterns of a see-through bodysuit and tank dress are fuzzy like velvet.
Rampage opted for a wilder look of velvet and netting with leopard, although it brought black velvet back for prom-ish evening dresses. Tip: Try the plaid, ‘50-inspired bustier dress. Complete with a mini crinoline, it’s sexy and punk.
Calvin Klein recalls Jean Harlow in long, vanilla silk gowns that ooze glamour. For day, pieces keep the ease simply with minimal seams. Barneys New York continued the theme, presenting silk, shiny and black, in a suit dress and raw in a gorgeous green Nehru jacket and slim pants, plus a Chinese silk vest paired with a long, flowing skirt.
Comfy knits colored heather, cream, wheat and barley were shown from TSE Cashmere and Joan & David. And the wrap--in velvet from Armani or wool dotted with fur balls from Fendi--for these parts seems like a viable option to a heavy winter coat.
Of course, this crowd went craziest for sparkle.
Glimmering paillettes cover trousers and jackets from St. John (including a fun taxi-check pattern). And Lili Rubin provided the glitz of sequins, beads and rhinestones that O.C. women are so fond of for those New Year’s Eve society galas.
