Inside Bibhu Mohapatra’s Spring 2017 Fitting + A Review of His Show for the Season

For Spring 2017, Bibhu Mohapatra played on the healing power of fashion, seeking to drive away the angst, trepidation, and hostility that has a strong grip on so much of the world today. Thus, he channeled one of the globe’s most harmonious, booming, and creative times: La Belle Époque. “This season I celebrate the optimistic and opulent times of the beautiful era,” said Bibhu of the assortment.

Forevermark Diamonds and Bibhu designer fittings behind the scenes

The designer also created a luxury jewelry collection called Forevermark Artemis™: his first collaboration with Forevermark. 20 of the looks in the show boasted dazzling, diamond accoutrements from the wares.

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Forevermark Diamonds and Bibhu designer fittings behind the scenes

Forevermark Diamonds and Bibhu designer fittings behind the scenes

Forevermark Diamonds and Bibhu designer fittings behind the scenes

“Diamonds make fashion timeless! They make style evolve and live forever,” said Bibhu. “The Artemis™ collection is that perfect balance of aesthetics and attitude. It represents tradition, it empowers, and it aligns perfectly with the muse of the season.”

Forevermark Diamonds and Bibhu designer fittings behind the scenes

Forevermark Diamonds and Bibhu designer fittings behind the scenes

A strapless pink dress with shimmering embellished panels created the perfect palette for the collection’s drop pendant necklace, while an off-the-shoulder tulle neckline was given red carpet-perfect flair with a dazzling choker.

NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 14:  A model walks the runway at the Bibhu Mohapatra during New York Fashion Week: The Shows at The Dock, Skylight at Moynihan Station on September 14, 2016 in New York City.  (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for New York Fashion Week: The Shows)

NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 14:  A model walks the runway at the Bibhu Mohapatra during New York Fashion Week: The Shows at The Dock, Skylight at Moynihan Station on September 14, 2016 in New York City.  (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for New York Fashion Week: The Shows)

NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 14:  A model walks the runway at the Bibhu Mohapatra during New York Fashion Week: The Shows at The Dock, Skylight at Moynihan Station on September 14, 2016 in New York City.  (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for New York Fashion Week: The Shows)

NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 14:  A model walks the runway at the Bibhu Mohapatra during New York Fashion Week: The Shows at The Dock, Skylight at Moynihan Station on September 14, 2016 in New York City.  (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for New York Fashion Week: The Shows)

NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 14:  A model walks the runway at the Bibhu Mohapatra during New York Fashion Week: The Shows at The Dock, Skylight at Moynihan Station on September 14, 2016 in New York City.  (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for New York Fashion Week: The Shows)

The rest of the assortment was playfully refined—boasting bold prints, midriff-baring crop tops, and spirited dresses for both day and night.

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Striped trousers and colorblock frocks felt decidedly modern, while enchanting pearl embellishment transported the collection into the era that inspired it.

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My favorite pieces in the collection were the separates. A long, printed cap-sleeve vest, a wrap crop top with a partially studded bodice, a simple, but effective high-waist slit pencil skirt, and a crisp patterned blazer were all standouts.

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I fully expect to see Freida Pinto, Patina Miller, Taraji P. Henson, and Tracee Ellis Ross in these designs over the next few months—all style stars who have already been spotted in Bibhu’s looks. Perhaps he’s even working on something with a celebrity for Sunday’s Emmys…

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Thoughts on the collection?