Show Review: Hussein Chalayan Fall 2009

After I finished snapping pictures of the front row dwellers, I sat back to take in the show.

Hussein Chalayan is known for his innovative designs, and has incorporated paper, delicate beading, and even flashing lights in the past. His current collection similarly mixed unusual elements: acetate foam like fabrics tailored in sophisticated silhouettes along with more common materials, like leather, molded to the body like plastic:

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I fell in love with the collection as I saw the first gray garments making their way down the runway. While I couldn’t identify the material, the construction was flawless and the silhouettes classically chic.  With hemlines that graced thigh lines and deep v necks, the fall ’09 forecast was also unabashedly sexy:

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Young and fresh, the collection contained many dresses that I would unflinchingly wear for a night out. Even the cowl neck options had clean, simple colors and intricate detail:

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While I loved most of the items, Chalayan began moving from right on to totally off with a few cocktail creations showcasing leather details molded to the bust as well as to the backside:

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Head scratching pieces aside, the collection was strong. I was also so happy to see Jourdan Dunn walking along with newcomers Kinée Diouf (middle) and Aminata Niaria. I almost cheered!

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The final walk:

Do you love?

PS Pat McGrath did the makeup!

Pictures via style.com. Read Sarah Mower’s take here.