Strong, graphic shapes and prints at Michael Angel made an excellent first statement at 9 a.m. on Thursday – the first official slot of Mercedez-Benz Fashion Week in New York. If the strong shoulders and colors didn’t give away the adherence to the 80s revival – large, bright geometric earrings announced it loud and clear.
“It all began with a photo of Nancy Cunard. Strong influential women play a key role in this collection through their art, voice or personal style. Schiaparelli, Nancy Cunard, Josephine Baker, Tamara de Lempicka,” Michael Angel stated in the show notes. Anyone admiring of his designs would do well to Google image search these women for personal style inspiration. (Actually, everyone should Google image search Schiaparelli.)
Angel notes that silhouette is focused on the torso – this is largely accomplished through the contrast of an extremely structured, sometimes voluminous jacket or top paired with a soft, flouncy skirt. The skirts were Barbie-girl bouncy and added a whimsical touch to the super-serious, Balenciaga-like shapes on top.
The show notes end with all caps: “THERE IS FUN TO BE HAD THIS SPRING 2010.” And that’s exactly what I left thinking, “That was a fun show to kick off the week.” The fashions were uplifting and likable, even if they weren’t to everyone’s taste.