Wednesday, January 13, 2010

In review: Crystal Ball NYE Fashion Show

Finally, more photos are in from the Crystal Ball New Year's Eve fashion show at International Market Square, which featured much-anticipated collections by Ra'mon-Lawrence Coleman and Christopher Straub of Project Runway fame. (Here's my earlier mini review of the show.) Unfortunately, they're not the best quality and some looks are missing, but it seems like this is as good as it will get.

Ra'mon's Holiday 2009 collection was delightfully edgy and futuristic - more than one piece looked like something Rihanna or Lady Gaga would rock. In fact, in my interview with Ra'mon for l'etoile magazine, he mentions Gaga as a source of inspiration and said, "It’s very art nouveau meets space-age gothic."

As worn by Tearra, it appears Ra'mon is once again working with his most infamous fabric, Neoprene. He also seems to be jumping on the sheer trend that rocked the Spring 2010 runways.

Another view, where you can really see the sci-fi influence. (Did you know Ra'mon is a Trekkie?)

A classic, bejeweled satin dress worn by Margaret. Very holiday, and very wearable.

The lovely Lily wears Ra'mon's ivory and pale gold "Michelle" dress, which he originally showed at New York Fashion Week as part of his Spring 2010 collection. This is a truly Ra'mon piece - feminine and body-embracing, with unique construction details. (I am lucky enough to own a dress by Ra'mon in the same fabric.) Love the hair piece.

Here's Ra'mon with his models, provided by event sponsor Ignite Models, Inc. I wish I could find a clearer photo of the jeweled jacket second-to-right. I also wish I could see more of the outfit second-to-left - those look to be some pretty hot leggings.

[Photo by Denis Jeong Plaster/City Pages]

Christopher showed a few brand-new pieces - some hits, some misses - as well some pieces from previous collections.

Not sure I am loving the color combination or the leggings, but I could see many girls snatching up the dress.

Love the upper half of this dress. (See a closer up view below in the group shot.) Not so sure I'm digging the length or the satin hem.

Cute, chic, wearable. Again, Christopher uses his trademark layered skirt construction.

Love, love, love this piece. I've had the opportunity to see this up close, and the layers of organza are gorgeous, as is the brocade bust.

Here's a shot of Christopher with his models. I'm still curious about the look on the far left but I think I like what I see. As reported in my story in last week's Vita.mn, Christopher's line will not be available to the public, but Ra'mon promised his collection would be up on his e-shop soon.

[Photo by MJF Foto]

Local designers Amanda Christine, kjurek couture, and PFT Couture also showed pieces from their collections. (Boutiques OPM, Drama, VState, and Parc also presented, but I'm not able to differentiate them from the posted photos.) The highlight was the debut of Amanda Christine's Spring 2010 line:

Such a chic look, perfect for an afternoon on the yacht. The texture of the fabric and the subtle detail of the construction make this piece special, expensive-looking, and wearable.

This black cocktail dress is an extended version of a skirt Amanda did for Fall 2009. Love the neckline, though I think the belt throws off the chic-ness of the look.

La Lily wears a fab aqua dress. Love the interesting cut-in at the shoulders, love the asymmetrically-draped skirt. I believe Amanda is also creating this dress in black - it's sure to be a hit come spring.

This look reminds me of the Amanda Christine of yore, which was a little less body-con, but it still echoes the clean, classic lines seen in this collection. Bravo, Amanda!

Local favorites Pa Thao of PFT Couture and Kimberly Jurek of kjurek couture showed pieces from previous collections, so I won't go too far into depth since these have all been featured in fashion shows previously. Here's my favorite looks from both:

This is kind of an odd angle, but I truly adore Kimberly Jurek's coats. The bell sleeve, shawl collars, and tapestry fabrics have a great vintage feel.

Though it's hard to pick, this is one of my favorite looks from Pa Thao. It was shot for a cover of Twin Cities Luxury & Fashion (since rechristened Twin Cities Statement) last year in a bed of flowers - simply gorgeous.

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