For the first time that I can remember (and please keep in mind this is my third time at New York Fashion Week), Monarchy Collection showed in the big tent at Bryant Park, a coveted venue that almost guarantees the attendance of celebs and the gaggle of press that trail behind them. I am glad to report that Monarchy Collection did get its fair share of celebrity (Mark Ballas of Dancing with the Stars fame and Janice Dickenson were two of my front-row favorites) but more importantly, the Monarchy Collection itself rose to the big-tent occasion with looks that dripped with youth and wealth.
With the words “Côte d'Azur” scrolled across the invite, I assumed the collection was in some way related to France. Unfortunately, the only the only thing French about the collection was its general slim-hipped feminine beauty. Despite the absence of Frenchy-ness, the collection was a delight of tight-fitting silk jersey dresses accented by skinny belts and lots of bronze skin. I was mesmerized by the high waisted skinny jeans, a trend that has been with us a couple of season’s now. Monarchy designer Eric Kim paire skinny distressed jeans with mid-riff baring tanks and loose glittering vests and, voilà, the pants suddenly seem like part of a complete look—effortless, luxurious, and somehow just right.
While the female models had big billowy blond curls that bounced as they walked, the boys were decked out in chic-geek gear—and I mean that as a sincere compliment. Poindexter glasses adorned their faces as they shuffled down the runway, but on their bodies were some of the coolest, most wearable menswear I’ve seen for twenty-something men. There were slightly wrinkled two-button sportcoats in all your favorite choices: pinstripe, plaid and cashmere. And there were looks for all the events in a rich young man may need to attend: cream twill shorts with a frayed hem for days on the yacht with dad; and narrow, navy pinstripe suit for catered affairs at the country club.
The collection is not realistic. It reeks with wealth and silently insists that there is no recession, nor will there ever be one, so why not sit back and enjoy the ride…on a chartered flight to just about anywhere. Anyone want to go to Nice?
