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Steffee Steps Up Power and Femininity
By Tanya Jensen
Oct 23, 2002/ FWD/ --- At Shelly Steffee's spring / summer 2003 presentation last week, it
quickly became clear that the 37-year-old Pennsylvania native had duality in mind when she
was designing the line.
Some of the pieces, being strong and opinionated, were more for the tough than the timid,
while others were geared towards the dainty damsel.
"The concept for spring was protecting femininity and what you believe in,"
the designer explained.
"There are different aspects to it; the utilitarian combat female with ruching, pleats
and functioning pockets of unusual sizes and shapes, the idea of protection with textures -
quilting, padding and washes and finally secret, with the use of hidden metal mesh."
The fabrics and the colors in the collection also followed Steffee's theme of contrast -
padded and stitched voiles, washed double faced cotton, textured chiffons and faded suedes,
which she tailors and drapes expertly.
The colors - nudes, dusk lavender, army green, cocoa and navy - are sophisticated and utterly
wearable.
"It is a dichotomy. I wanted to show the strong side of a woman but also her childish hidden
side, and I think glamour is so important, all women need to feel special and feed their souls
with luxurious, reflective and delicate fabrics."
What does unite her collection is her fit for which she is starting to become known for.
"My fit is for real women, but it's not dowdy. I use quality fabrics that look great on all
women," she added.
Like her collection, the store Steffee opened in New York's meatpacking district just over a
year ago, is keeping in mind the women she designs for; powerful, yet feminine and intelligent.
The 19th century building faces the area's old brick, square market place and incorporates
such luxuries as polished leather walls, a salon and seating area.
"I want it to be a space where [a woman will] feel nurtured, engaged and inspired, not only
by the clothes but also by the art and the neighborhood around us," Steffee explained.
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