Paul Hardy: Raw, Edgy & Wearable
By Lael Ward-Shapiro
Photos by: Javier Mateo
More photos --->> | 1 | 2
NEW YORK, Sep 18, 2003/ FW/ --- The Paul Hardy Spring 2004 collection was strongly
received and a good, solid show for this relatively new designer.
The setting for his show was intimately done off site at the Lamb’s Theater, in New York's theater district.
One of Paul Hardy’s strengths besides attractive, creative designs is his ability to
make his shows entertaining but not distracting.
The only problem with his set-up at The Lambs Theater was the lighting, which was poor
compared to the usual runway lights.
Though his designs were at turn creative, casual, funky or demure, the detail of the
collection was lost due to the lighting.
Many of Paul Hardy’s designs show what is becoming his characteristic style of casual
alternative clothing.
The clothing is creative enough to appear non-mass produced without becoming what might
be termed ‘elitist’ attire.
And while a good portion of his clothing seems best suited for the 20-something crowd,
with the right attitude, his clothing can be easily imagined on the older age groups
as well.
The variety of styles shown during this collection was wonderful.
Some of the items such as a twill skirt were casual enough for every day wear.
Other pieces were tunic style tops that were attractive and unusual. The silk stocking
jersey tops, in particular, were remarkable.
One of the things particularly nice about Paul Hardy’s collection is the wearability.
Many of his unusual styles are created in such a way they are suited for a variety of
women, a variety of shapes.
The greater portion of his clothing looks as if it can easily be made to fit narrow
or curvy women.
That ability makes Paul Hardy shine and might help broaden his market in the future.
|
