MYSTERIOUS, ROMANTIC DENIZENS OF THE NIGHT

The master of hard-edged romance described what we could expect to see at his runway show in perfectly poetic form:  “haunting and alluring”, dark shadows, moonlit sonatas, baroque scrolls and rock and roll”, “mysterious, intoxicating creatures”, and “eternal romantic nights”.

It sounds so painfully sexy that it could have translated to trashy on the runway.  But in the hands of Carmen Marc Valvo, that was never going to be.  It was sexy, and feminine, and strong.  This is a designer who knows what his woman wants.

His style statement comes in the form of an incredible mix of textures.  Embossed patent leather decorates a shiny, satiny dress while intricate lace shines.  Beautiful, sophisticated prints lead to nearly-sheer hemlines on serious dresses.

One of the criteria for presenting a mysterious, leather and lace kind of collection is that most, if not all, must be black.  And the majority of the looks were done in black, but the pops of colors in jewel-toned grape on dresses and skirts, aubergine on an amazing evening gown and one hot red in another evening dress, were surprising, and so welcome.

But the most exciting part of the collection was the combination of leather and lace.  Tough, leather bustiers were covered in soft, feminine lace.  The result was gothic, romantic and incredibly beautiful.

Because he is such a sophisticated designer, Valvo is able to design clothes for the women who can afford them, and give them more than an evening dress, skirt, or pair of pants. He can give them a fantasy, whether that fantasy is goth princess or biker chick, but always with style.

Sadly, the storm some called Nemo with its deep snow and driving winds, hit on the day of Valvo’s show, and that knocked out a great deal of his audience.  That was very bad news for them.  The show was spectacular, the perfect showcase of what a fine designer he is. I’m betting everyone will show up for Spring.

Photography: Anton Brookes