Summary: I was quite thankful to catch Erin Fetherston‘s SS13 collection online, because after 30 minutes at her extremely crowded presentation at the Standard Hotel, I had caught glimpses of maybe 3 complete looks. That’s not to say the models weren’t there and dressed in Fetherston’s spring looks, but the layout of the presentation – a small room filled with attendees spilling out onto a roof deck, clamoring to photograph models who weren’t elevated and on display, but rather posing in small clumps in the middle of the teeming throng – was not exactly conducive to viewing the garments. Fetherston’s presentations are usually fabulous fetes – specialty cocktails, unique entertainment (this season it was 17 year-old pop singer Alexandra McDermott, who also served as the muse for this collection and its lookbook model) – but unfortunately, this year’s go made it rather difficult enjoy and experience Fetherston’s designs. Which is a shame, because I actually like her SS13 collection, a notable departure from the designer’s typically very girly-pretty persuasion. Her use of metallic hardware in silver grommets accenting a cardigan paired with a leather dress, and playful graphics like the lip prints adorning ultra-skinny cigarette pants communicated a stronger design personality than what we’ve been seeing from Fetherston the past few seasons. Graphic patterned 60s-inspired cocktail sheaths, and black dresses embroidered with sequined zebra heads projected a sense of wit and whimsy that playfully heightened Fetherston’s very feminine, cocktail dress-laden oeuvre. An oversized feather coat in pale golden yellow worn with a short sequin dress in the same hue provided the appeal to glamour that Fetherston fans appreciate, but in its exaggerated proportion, was a welcome deviation from her typical body-conscious fare. I was particularly delighted by the hint of chartreuse peeking out from the waistband of high-waisted, loose, ankle-length trousers, matching the the pocket lining of a slouchy boyfriend blazer. This was a strong season for Fetherston – her attention to detail and exploration of color and shape showed both the designer’s growth, and the creative output of someone who is increasingly solidifying her own artistic vision. I just wish I could have appreciated it live and in person.
Colors: White, beige, black, chartreuse, pale golden yellow, silver, metallic, brown, pale pink, red, orange, cream
Fabrics and Textures: Tulle, feathered, sheer, overlay, sequins, embroidery, grommets, metallic embellishment, peplum, graphic prints, polka dot, leather, knit, ombre, ruching, draping
Key Looks: Cream slouchy boyfriend blazer with chartreuse pockets paired with high-waisted, wide-legged, ankle-length trousers with a chartreuse waistband; Pale yellow feathered long-sleeve bomber jacket paired with a matching sequined cocktail dress; Black, sleeveless, body-conscious dress with a sheer neckline and crystal silver embellishment.
– Amanda Aldinger
Photos: Style.com
