Catherine Malandrino Fall 2013

It takes a damn good designer to pull me out of the comfort of Lincoln Center tents and drag me downtown in the cold.  Catherine Malandrino's Fall 2013 collection was presented in a gallery in the far west side of Chelsea on a frigid Sunday.  

 The collection was inspired by the French Art Deco line of Ruhlmann. If I walked into a wardrobe with nothing more than her clothes, I would want for nothing.  The dark palette for fall fits the city lifestyle perfectly.  There are no basic garments, as geometric embellishments, draped details and flattering cuts made each look shop-worthy.

There weren't a lot of handbags, but the totes on hand were textured and decorated to fit in with the collection.  No dainty clutches here.  A modern woman needs a bag that carries everything her lifestyle demands... Phone, notepad, iPad, makeup, water, umbrella...

See the full collection here.

photos by Mariana Leung

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Luxe Dominatrix at Catherine Malandrino Fall 2012

Catherine Malandrino has always dressed the take-charge kind of woman.  For Fall 2012, the designer made it a bit more obvious with patent leather corsets and mane-like fur collars around the neck.  The presentation at Eyebeam Studios in Chelsea was sexy.  Beaded mesh mixed with embroidered leather and pailettes.  Tailored seaming flattered the right curves on the body as did strategic cutouts.  

The handbag of the day was a box-like lucite clutch.  The purse came in a myriad of sparkly or quartz bodies with sides of clear plastic and contrast colors.  The earring of choice was a series of dangled chains from a multi-hole ear cuff.  

This label is one I love to shop from (even more with a sample sale) because it is clearly designed by a woman for women who live my lifestyle.  There was a lot of black in different textures, with bright, right jewel tones of green, sapphire and fushia.  Powerful women look great in this collection, and who doesn't appreciate that?

Spotted mingling: Gossip Girl's Kelly Rutherford

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Catherine Malandrino Resort 2011

Playing games this season?  Catherine Malandrino was inspired by Mikado, a European version of pick-up-sticks for her resort collection.  The primary colors were a mix of her signature Parisian chic and New York practicality.

The fabrics were a mix of lightweight knits and pointelle stitch textures.  Nothing to iron, and easy to pack.  Exactly what you need for running off to a resort.  The color palette has a sporty look that is still perfectly at ease in a formal dining room.

This season is another example of why Ms. Malandrino's collections are so popular.  The woman lives the lifestyle of her customers.

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NY FASHION WEEK: Catherine Malandrino Fall 2011

The Statue of Liberty was France's gift to America.  On the fashion front, designer Catherine Malandrino brought Parisian chic stateside.  Her collection for Fall 2011 was presented in a raw loft space in Midtown Manhattan.

There was a mix of tailored jackets, form-defining knits and sophisticated dresses for the Lady who does everything.  The color palette included deep red, royal purple and emerald with some basic black thrown in.  Stripes and polka dots accented a few looks as well.  My personal favorite was the stand-alone mirror embroidered skirt.

Ms. Malandrino explained that she designed the season’s looks for women to wear from day into evening.  The presentation represented the wardrobe of the woman she represents…Successful and confidently stylish. 

With intellectual glasses and hats, the models looked like they walked directly out of the designer’s own closet.  Other accessories included large pieced necklaces and chunky embellished bracelets. 

Spotted in the front row mingling: Gossip Girl’s Kelly Rutherford and Dexter’s Jennifer Carpenter 

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Lacoste Malandrino Collection Spring 2011

Sweet sweet crocodile love was made Tuesday in the penthouse of the Cooper Square Hotel.  The icy backdrop of the East Village surrounded style vignettes on all sides for the press preview of Lacoste and Catherine Malandrino’s collaboration.

The capsule collection was Lacoste’s big women’s sportswear push into a more fashion forward direction.  It encompassed pieces with Lacoste’s signature pique knit and active wear influence.  However, Malandrino’s French chic was unmistakable in the feminine looks.  For this limited edition collection, the logo was updated with two kissing crocodiles; the second being a (presumably) Malandrino chartreuse green.

There was a small group with delicate crochet knits.  They were interpreted in a tennis dress or sweeping fishtail skirt.  Pique knit was use in dresses that were draped and shirred to accentuate the female curves.  Tie-dyed patterns on a few pieces reflected some of the fabric prints one would expect to see in Catherine Malandrino’s signature collection.  The "Harlem" pant was an updated take on the Harem pant-meets-MC Hammer look that was modern and feminine.   . 

How did this coupling come about?  There was some debate about that, as none of the representative seemed to know the origin story.  What was known was that Ms. Malandrino’s husband was a big fan of the Lacoste brand, and there seemed to be a kinship between French fashion creatives.  The designer has had some interesting collaborations in the past, including one with Mary J. Blige to benefit the FFAWN organization.

The Lacoste Malandrino collection will be available for purchase this Spring.

Photos by Mariana Leung

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FFAWNing over Blige and Malandrino's Collection

Fashion, like many other disciplines, require passion and creativity. It is no surprise then, that an accomplished musician and fashion designer would collaborate on a fabulous collection together.
Catherine Malandrino and Mary J. Blige presented the FFAWN collection Tuesday night to a room of notables from all walks of artistic life at the Museum of Modern Art. Fellow singer Estelle, celeb-chef Todd English, museum curator Thelma Goldin were all on hand to celebrate.

The clothes themselves were sexy and diva-worthy. The looks onstage were perfect to represent the Foundation for the Advancement of Women Now in inspiring young women succeed with confidence and skills. Proceeds from the benefit will help Bronx students on their way to college this year.

Photos By Steve Eichner

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