Summary: As the Brazilian Girls started off the first few notes of “Lazy Lover”, the audience at the Nanette Lepore Spring/Summer 2013 ready-to-wear runway show were transported to a beach scene of an easy going nature and sunny skies. And that’s pretty hard to do packed in a huge theater with over 1,000 people. Drawing her inspiration from a museum’s collection of delicate china pieces, Lepore made sure keep that floral inspiration as one of the cornerstones in the collection. Cool floral prints colored in tropical-inspired hues danced with the classic black and white checked prints.It kept a mix of new and old ideals.
The capsule still has bit of a girlie feel that Lepore is known for. Delicate beadwork added a sense of on-trend flair to the finely knit pieces, while peek-a-boo lace panels added an alluring touch to jersey jumpsuits. The collection easily played up the hair and makeup with its easy, breezy nature. Dustings of light blues, red orange or lilac eyeshadows and the season’s go-to trend of thick black eyeliner kept the ensemble looking ready for spring. Bare lips and hair pulled back in a loosely braided ponytail made sure that nothing looked too fussy.
I believe the sheer/burnout pieces showed where Lepore shines while the clashing floral prints displayed the designer’s weak spot. The floral printed ombre V-neck dress is sure to be a hit amongst It girls and red carpet starlets alike. It has just enough spark to make an impact but has the tailoring and fit for easy styling. The floral prints truly do make the impact needed for this collection. And though this print works on this piece and alike, when Lepore tried to put two to three paneling of floral, the result becomes confusing and overwhelming. Better to stick to one strong print than to overuse and create an almost dizzying effect.
Colors: black, white, pistachio, clover, tan, coral, sky, teal, pink, gray, pale yellow, jade
Fabrics & Textures: checked print, knit, stripes, applique, net print, raffia, beading, nylon, leather, lace, jersey, chiffon, burnout, grid print
Key Looks: Check wrap dress and wide woven belt; White lace dress, white leather handbag and net print wide belt; Coral print halter dress
– Taneisha Jordan
Photos: WWD
