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Carmen Marc Valvo: Vulnerable & Strong
By: Mari Davis
Photos courtesy of Carmen Marc Valvo
NEW YORK, Feb 19, 2002/ FW/ --- Carmen Marc Valvo, the consumate traveller took a journey
through time to get inspiration for his Fall 2002 collection.
The early 19th century - call it the Age of Innocence if you will, but it is really an Age
of Change.
It marked the onset of the Industrial Revolution which would eventually change the world.
It was also the Victorian Age, a teenager became the Queen of England. Her vulnerability also
became her strength. Through the help of her husband Prince Albert, Queen Victoria started
the industrialization of England.
This is the "time" that Carmen Marc Valvo chose to bring his audience.
The show notes said, "It's a new world, suddenly a place reminiscent of the one we knew, but
somehow strangely unfamiliar, like a dream."
"We move now with some uncertainty, not knowing hwen things will suddenly change again."
"And so we crave the warmth and assurance of hearth and home, the simplicity of a gentler
era."
"Carmen Marc Valvo hearkens back to such a time and place in his Fall 2002 collection."
As a salve for strange and trying days, he offers comfort in many forms - sweet nostalgic
early 19th century style elements.
Yfke's lace corseted top over clove cotton velveteen cocktail skirt with hand knit cashmere
robe set the tone for the collection.
Cozy fabrics in soothing, grounding hearth tones married with the earthy to celestial echoed
through the whole collection.
The clothes were deceptively simple yet very luxurious. The secret is in the detailing - less
constructed in the design, and used draping technique to get the desired effect.
The designer joined the comfy with the luxurious, topping off delicate silk and lace gowns
with dense, snuggly cashmere sweaters and an antique brooch.
Embellishment is again deceptively simple, yet very detailed - fanciful patchwork chantilly
lace and hand beading.
Carmen Marc Valvo updated heirloom-looking, lingerie-inspired silhouettes with empire waists
and calf-length hems like the black chantilly lace cocktail dress.
It might sound a contradiction in terms, but the designer believes that the most confident
of women are the ones who are unafraid to exhibit their vulnerability.
Strength and fragility, modern evening wear with an old-fashioned ease - under inexperienced
hands, the collection would be chaotic.
Under Carmen Marc Valvo's masterful execution - it became a converge - our vulnerability
became our strength.
Carmen Marc Valvo Fashion
Carmen Marc Valvo Fashion
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