Heatherette: ‘Living Dolls Collection’
By Mari Davis
Photos by Javier Mateo

NEW YORK, Feb 5, 2005/ FW/ --- As graduates of New York’s underground fashion scene, Heatherette has become part of the mainstream, yet continues to be true to their kitschy style and lighthearted treatment of fashion as exemplified by their ‘Living Dolls Collection’ shown last night at Bryant Park.

Opening the show with a multimedia presentation that has become en vogue from New York, Milan and Paris, Richie Rich and Traver Rains visited Care Bear land, one of their continuing commercial endeavors that include Hello Kitty among them.

The movie short, which was amusing and entertaining, served as appetizer to the capacity-filled crowd at the Tent, and made them enamored with the design duo even before the catwalk show started.

So, when the first model came out wearing a slip dress in different monochromatic shades of green and brown matched with a black bolero and carrying a little Chihuahua, the crowd broke into a round of applause.

And as the title ‘Living Dolls,’ promised, Richie Rich and Traver Rains sent a collection that Barbie and Ken would love.

From little mini dresses, to provocative shorts, and flowing gowns, it was a very eclectic collection that was held by a common theme of what a doll, Barbie or a real girl would love to have in her wardrobe.

Amidst that mischievous treatment, complete with Swiss maid hair and sometimes-cheesy headdresses, is a serious collection that demonstrated the New York-based design duo’s growth as designers.

Details like beading and embroidery, appliqués and prints, Richie Rich and Traver Rains sent out a wearable collection once you peel off the layers of pompoms and buttons that was just added for the drama on the catwalk.

The show did not have the sophisticated production of a John Galliano presentation but it certainly has all the elements. Of course, Rich & Rains were not aiming for a Gallianoesque presentation. Their market is very different from the British-born designer.

Heatherette’s show fitted their target market, and like any serious designer who uses the catwalk as a platform to present what will be in store shelves next season, Rich & Rains achieved that goal with aplomb.

With this collection, Richie Rich and Traver Rains more than affirmed their foothold in this business called fashion.

Heatherette

Heatherette

Heatherette

Heatherette