Los Angeles Fashion Week Fall '06: Catherine Malandrino
While photographers, journalists and celebrities jostled for space March 22 at Smashbox Studios on the last day of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios, New York–based fashion designer Catherine Malandrino treated a crowd of 75 to a fashion show of her Fall 2006 designer collection at the Beverly Hills Neiman Marcus.
While the collection bears the last name of the soft-spoken French designer, the clothes were meant to juggle a sense of luxury and a certain grit, Malandrino said.
“It’s inspired by urban queens like Mary J. Blige,” Malandrino added, referring to the Grammy-winning R&B singer known for her emotional songs such as “No More Drama.”
The 32-look show, held on Neiman Marcus’ fourth floor, ranged from red carpet gowns to boy shorts, juggling urban themes, luxury and a few of Malandrino’s sartorial trademarks.
The crowd applauded a silver lace halter dress that also bore a hand-crocheted neckpiece and silk ribbon belt. The audience also showed their appreciation for a poet blouse constructed out of a sheer chocolate-colored tulle material.
Retail price points ranged from $800 for pants to $2,500 for dresses. Malandrino also emphasized the collection’s details, including a burgundy ball gown that featured the designer’s famous crocheting and origami pin tucking. The collection made its debut last month at New York Fashion Week. —Andrew Asch
