LIVING THE BEAUTIFULLY-CLOTHED DREAM

In one of my fashion fantasies, I open my lavish, walk-in closet to find it filled with Monique L’Huillier designs.  On one side, hanger after puffy hanger hold sleek, beautifully tailored suits, slim, stylish trousers and day dresses.  On the other, a collection of long, lavish gowns that are soft, feminine and superbly elegant.  Of course, since this is my fantasy, each item fits like it was made just for me (and, why not?  Maybe each one was), and I have the perfect party or star-studded affair to which to wear them all.

In real life, I am thrilled to sit in the tents at Lincoln Center, prepared to watch her winter collection strut down the runway.  The backdrop is a liquidy green, adding to the fantasy feel of the moment.  And her looks never disappoint.

For Fall/Winter 2013, she started the runway with winter whites.  I’ve never been much of a believer in winter white, but these perfectly tailored, soft suits and dresses (one covered with a full-length jacket that was stunning) could convert me.

There were sporty cigarette-pants and laced covered confections that were the perfect combination of sweet and elegant.  But enough of the real world.  We were quickly approaching fantasy with a selection of breathtaking sequined dresses, skirts and jackets.

And, with that, we were eased into the main event:  evening wear.  L’Huillier is, of course, famous for her lavish Red Carpet gowns, and that’s what had the crowd gasping with delight.  A sheer-looking nude with a black spider-web pattern was beyond amazing.  A black lace jumpsuit (I don’t know if you can really call it a jumpsuit), surrounded by tulle was stunning.  It also came in red, for the even more daring.

Then came the jewel-tones.  That magnificent green of the backdrop translated into the most gorgeous flowing gown, with layer after layer of the shade taking the fall runways by storm (as it did the spring runways).  Another, slightly darker green was embellished in black jet beading.  Aubergines, purples and bright pops of red rounded out the collection.

It’s no wonder everyone from celebrities to brides wait to see what fantasies L’Huillier will create next.

Photography: Anton Brookes