New York Fashion Week spring 2014: Juan Carlos Obando
NEW YORK — The models whooshed onto the runway, color and silk streaming behind them, like they ran the world. They had confidence all right, and sex appeal, which is something not every designer can conjure in clothing.
Los Angeles-based designer Juan Carlos Obando sure can.
The 2013 Council of Fashion Designers of America/Vogue Fashion Fund finalist’s spring 2014 collection, shown Thursday during New York Fashion Week, was his best ever.
The inspiration: Modern color, fluidity and evening wear ease.
The look: Party all night without breaking a sweat.
Key pieces: Fluid silk halter gowns; long-sleeved keyhole gowns; evening pajamas; high-neck blouses with silk ties streaming; draped and tied maxi-skirts with thigh-high leg slits. Solid colors (red, turquoise, fuchsia, jade) as well as festive polka dots and cabana stripes. The swirl of color and print was grounded by Obando’s bold jewelry, including chic-looking mismatched earrings — a half disk on one ear and a dome on the other.
The verdict: Obando has proved himself to be a force in fashion, and the crystal vision of glamorous simplicity he put forward with this collection invites comparisons to modernist master Halston. Let’s hope the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund gives him the recognition he deserves.
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