A DAY AT THE RACES INSPIRES THE DESIGNING DUO FOR SPRING/SUMMER 2012

If you were wondering where Claude Morais and Brian Wolk spent their summer vacation, there’s a big clue in their runway show at Mercedes-Benz Spring/Summer 2012 Fashion Week.  From the bright-colored, bold striped, jockey-inspired pieces, to the solid braids down the back of their models to the galloping pace of the catwalk, it all just screams horse country.

The pieces were striking, and they stayed faithful to their idea from start to finish.  All beautifully tailored, as you would expect from a Ruffian collection, there were stark black and white suits, brilliant pops of jewel-toned colors, some with blocked black and white racing stripes down the sleeves. Even evening wear didn’t escape the racing club treatment.  The pieces that did were beautifully cut and so elegant.

The concept worked in fitted jackets and slender, shining dresses.  It worked best in Ruffian’s brand new addition to the line:  swimwear, in bright, diagonally-matched colors, blue and green, red and pink.

The collection easily could have slid down the road to gimmicky, but the clean lines, beautiful fabrics and gorgeous colors kept it real.

Images: Anton Brookes