The Dennis Basso Spring/Summer 2011 collection was first introduced to the public on September 14, 2010, in a stunning runway debut. The auditorium was packed and a long line out the doors in order to have bags checked for paint. Dennis Basso, known for using fur in his designs and garnering much negative publicity for such choices, needed the extra security in order to protect against vandalism due to fur protesters. In fact, as the runway got underway, another show happened outside the Lincoln Center doors: an anti-fur protest. Despite the bag-checking, the mood inside was extremely lively. I came within one foot of Miss J. Alexander and Ramona Singer of the Real Housewives of New York City. I also spotted André Leon Talley of Vogue, Sonja Morgan of the Real Housewives of New York City, and Fern Mallis. I was lucky enough to sit in the fifth row, giving me a fantastic view of the runway. With dynamic music mixing rock n’ roll sounds with electronic ones, the show perfectly melded the past and future for its audience.
Dennis Basso presented a collection that amalgamated 1950’s silhouettes with a futuristic theme. His use of neoprene, alligator, and python skins, lucite, silk net, metallic silks, and architectural cutouts allowed an industrial vibe, while the usage of a-line bouncy skirts, shawls and dusters, clutches and mink provided a decidedly 1950’s retro aesthetic. The suggestive cutouts and slinky jackets (reminding me of 1950’s negligees) were juxtaposed with soft prints. Creams, pinks, nudes, and vanillas were playfully hardened with blacks, aquas, mints, sorbets and coffees. The only downsides to the show were a couple of wardrobe malfunctions: fly-away shawls and a dress drooping so far south a model walked half the runway bare-breasted. Otherwise, the collection managed to be suggestive yet perfectly appropriate at the same time.
All in all, this show has been my favorite from fashion week so far. As an avid lover of vintage clothing, this show was a breath of fresh air giving life to retro silhouettes. I cannot wait to see some of these dresses walk the red carpet.
To get the look, buy Dennis Basso! But really, try this:
1. Pair pinks and creams with other metallic fabrics
2. Sport a traditional a-line skirt with a blouse featuring suggestive cut-outs
3. Wear soft prints with a sleek pony-tail and red hair streaks
4. Combine vintage furs with diaphanous materials
All photos of the show can be found here.
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