Venexiana: Leather & Lace
By Michelle Taylor
Photos by Javier Mateo

NEW YORK, Feb 9, 2005/ FW/ – Kati Stern designs the punk rock and roll collection she calls Venexiana.

The name would perhaps suggest something vaguely to do with the spectacularly beautiful floating city in the North East of Italy, but unfortunately the only similarities come from lace and 18th century bodices.

Though despite the fact that this lady has a fun cheering squad made up of all sorts, they are a bit like her autumn winter 2005/06 collection: too loud and without stability.

Starting off with frayed tweed and leather in shipwrecked looks, Stern added Mongolian fur trim, paisley, velvet and lace. Then there was beading, leather trim, fur jackets and embroidery, all this with her main detail of the season: pompoms.

Though all is not lost, Stern does do great leather jodhpur’s, pant and sexy bustier, and just because it happens to be winter there is no need to be dull about it. The designer puts light where others remain traditional and dark, using greens, blues, crystals and royal purples.

Leather and lace moves to a fabulous soundtrack and inspired confidence to the audience, and although her style is extremely subjective, no one can question that she strongly believes it is necessary to have fun with fashion.

Venexiana

Venexiana

Venexiana