Manuel Fernandez: Hollywood Meets Rock & Roll
By Mari Davis
Photos by: Visko Hatfield
More photos --->> | 1 | 2 | 3
NEW YORK, Oct 18, 2002/ FW/ --- In a season where sex and sensuality is the major trend on the
international runways, Manuel Fernandez hit it right on the mark with his Spring 2003 collection.
The Spanish designer held his 5th show in New York last September in a townhouse in Manhattan, a venue which
sounded strange at first because he usually show at the tents.
That is, after it was announced that there would be an after-show party to celebrate Fernandez's
5th season, it all made sense.
Though the tents at Bryant Park are very convenient to editors and photographers, it could not
compete with the ambiance of elegance at the townhouse.
So, on a makeshift runway, inside a full house (literally!), Manuel Fernandez sent a
very feminine, daring and sexy collection.
A self-confessed fan of Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe, the designer's Spring 2003 collection
was inspired by these two legendary icons.
Bold and defiant, it was a tribute to Marilyn Monroe.
And it is not for the faint of heart!
Microminis, very revealing necklines and transparent fabric were used.
Using red tones as the base of the collection it was accented with pure white and orange,
giving it a very Spanish feel.
In short, what Marilyn Monroe will be wearing if she was her twenties today and hail from Spain
and Catholic.
The result - a sassiness that will make the nuns blush!
It was also rebellious statement as a tribute to the King of Rock & Roll (Elvis was shown from
waist up only when he first appeared on national TV because the censors thought that his
dancing was to daring!).
Thank goodness Manuel Fernandez decided not to go to Elvis's Las Vegas years with his fringe
white suit.
The reference to Elvis were in the hair-do of the models, a feminine version of his haircut.
The pants were generously cut and flared like bellbottoms, like the King's.
And the reference ended there. After that Manuel Fernandez added his own style.
Using embroidery as embellishements, and creating navel-baring tops, it was sexy... sexy... sexy...
One word of caution - if you want to wear Manuel Fernandez in Spring, make sure you that you
start working out now.
And don't gain weight during the holiday season.
Because though the clothes are gorgeous, it can be very unforgiving.
It shows your body shape and sometimes, shows a lot of skin!
|
