New York Fashion Week-Fall 2011 Carlos Miele

My lovely and super talented stylist friend Nakima Benjamin is not only an impeccable dresser but also has an eye for details. She has a knack for describing the look and feel of the slinky clothes that saunter down the runway and knows her stuff when it comes to fabrics, textures, and draping. Ms. Benjamin was on hand at Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week and lent me her expert eye while attending several fab. shows. Check out Nakima's reviews of the Fall 2011 collections!

CARLOS MIELE

 

Overall, I adored this collection!  The fabrics and color palette were divine.  Mr. Miele began his show by featuring a statement look composed of elegant pants and a blouse in soft gray topped with a textured fur coat and charmeuse hood in cream.  Then pieces in burnt orange and red hues were shown.  Given the hoods, red tones, and fur details, I couldn't help but think of a reference to the Little Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf whether it was intentional or not.  No matter, Mr. Miele proved that he goes waaaay beyond child's play...he managed to design a refined, elegant version of harem pants in velvet.  I never thought that "elegant" and "harem pants" would ever appear in the same sentence but Mr. Miele should not be underestimated.  Other highlights included the hair -- sleek ponytails with a youthful braid -- and makeup, which was kept natural and pretty.

 

Critiques:  Mr. Miele's is not for the PETA supporters and animal rights activists among us.  Also, looking beyond activist causes, some of the pieces in Mr. Miele's collection are not suited for any woman with a "womanly" figure.  With the plethora of velvet and ruching (which added ten pounds to the models wearing it) I think many women will shy away from such pieces.  No matter, there is still plenty of gorgeous to go around!