Baby backpacks at the hip? Given the shift towards smaller and smaller accessories these days, the tiny nylon backpacks slung on the hips of models at Alexis Mabille’s Spring 2016 RTW presentation were right on trend. For lack of a better word, quirky was at the spirit of this season’s presentation. The baby backpacks were just the start! The entire collection referenced watermelon, as it is grown, sliced, pitted, whole, and halved. The palette reflected the multitude of bright reds and deep pinks. The accessories were fruit-based at every turn and even the makeup took its inspiration in green rind shadowed lids.
Quite a few of the pieces were statements in and of themselves: a long-sleeved knit with a sequined sliced watermelon, an uber high-waisted red pant suit, a two-piece printed ensemble, and a lace capelet-inspired dress shirt. In contrast to his Fall 2015 Haute Couture collection, which was utterly divine and elegant, this ready-to-wear presentation was indeed fun and lively, but didn’t feel like signature Alexis Mabille.
Most distinctly, the collection lacked drama, which Mabille is certainly known for. Pretty did this presentation make, but not power-packed enough to command celebrity obsession. The A-line silhouettes were utilitarian in nature: there was room for pockets and a belt loop to hook our handy tiny backpacks, but not much else. Now that said, I still enjoyed elements of it all; in particular, his ability to effortlessly blend varied fabrics into one. There was fluidity and movement, which fueled the fun in the clothes.
Some of my favorite looks were the most simple, such as a beautiful all-white lace blouse and full layered skirt or a light blue blazer draped over a tied dress shirt. Mabille’s interpretations of the white button down were delightful and most of them would make for key wardrobe staples for the modern woman.
For all the fun of the watermelon inspiration, the collection itself could have taken its audience on a wilder adventure. Here’s to hoping for a spin outside the watermelon patch next season!
What do you think of Alexis Mabille’s Spring 2016 RTW Collection?
Source: Vogue.com