THE AUSSIE DESIGNER MAKES HIS MERCEDES-BENZ FASHION WEEK DEBUT

It is always nice to discover a new designer.  No matter how big or small your outlet, you feel like you’ve gotten a one-hour pass into the inner circle.

That’s how I feel about Christoper Esber.  He may be familiar to Australian fashion elite, but he’s brand new to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York.

His collection is a study in simplicity.  The lines are straight, in skirts, dresses, pants, even tops.  The color palette is simple:  basic black, navy, crisp white and grey.  What interrupts the simplicity are the surprises. Little black dresses showed exaggerated shapes.  A simple white sleeveless dress hangs in an asymmetrical peplum.  A simple black top is totally backless.  So backless, you wonder for a moment how it’s kept on.

There was a simple black two-piece pants suit made in the shiniest fabric I’ve ever seen (it comes in white, as well).  Long shorts have a zip that can turn them into a skirt.

He appears to be a craftsman, with each piece going together effortlessly, but beautifully.  No frou-frou, no flowers, just a wearable, but beautiful collection from a new-to-New York designer.  I hope he sticks around till next season.

Photography: Anton Brookes