FASHIONWEEK Fall 2007: For a Chi Chi Fashion Conscious Mistress, it's about Looking Sexy, Not Slutty, and Bill Blass has the Goods. FASHIONTRIBES FASHION BLOG

(photos: nymag.com)

Summary: Influenced by fellow Indiana boys Norman Norell & Halston, Bill Blass designer Michael Vollbracht (and team) "tweaked" some of the best known looks of each of the three hoosiers to create a fabulously stylish, wearable collection. "Mr. Norell - because I fell in love with his sequined mermaids years and years ago when I was a very young designer," explains Vollbracht.  "Halston, because his simple philosophy looks so good in this era of over-designing. And of course Blass - because it is my job to knock him off."

And knock his essence off he did, and well. Cashmere coats in fun colors like brick & leaf green were tossed over easy, breezy jersey shifts in contrasting hues. A gold crystal-embroidered shirtdress was ready for anything but the office, while the Studio 54-ready "Norell-like" sequin sheath with a lime satin coat proved 80s yowza, as did a drop-dead gunmetal floorlength Norell-inspired number. An indigo blue silk jersey goddess gown showcased an interesting neckline that's showing up in collection after collection: a bejeweled semi-circle that almost seems opulently Ancient Egyptian in feel.

To end the show, the design team sent out a platooon of little black dresses, for any & all social strata, functions & body types. Particularly noteworthy: the t-shirt inspired version with almost a baseball tee feel & leather short sleeves.

Color Palette: fuschia; baby blue; leaf green; cadet blue; blue leopard print; green animal print; leaf green silver; white; hounstooth; sage; brown; camel; beige; gold

Details & Textures: colored animal prints; double-faced cashmere; embroidery; pinstripes; crystal beading

Key Looks: gold crystal-embroidered shirtdress; shimmery Norman Norell-inspired sheath dresses; blue jersey goddess gown with Egyptian neckline; pale gold "feathered" sable coat over pony skin pencil skirt; striped menswear trouser with both a pale gold feather print jacket and a bordeaux & black leopard jacket leopard print jacket

- Lesley Scott

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