SWEET, FEMININE FASHION FOR FALL

Ethereal. That is the perfect word, I think, to describe Leanne Marshall’s Fall/Winter 2015 collection. Yes, it is basically black, but the light and airy fabrics and easy shapes give it a sweet, dreamy and feminine feel.

Project Runway fans will remember Leanne as the Season 5 winner. She has come a long way since then, designing for celebs, creating patterns for Simplicity (yes, there are people who still make their own clothes), and, finally, launching her own bridal line for BHLDN, the brand carried by Anthropology.

Her current collection featured mostly cocktail dresses and evening wear. It was sexy, fun, young and effortless, one standout was a gown with a black sleeveless top and a white, sort of reverse ombre skirt. But, be warned, most of the looks were sheer, see-through, actually, so prepare accordingly if you’re thinking of buying one for your next special occasion.

There were beautiful splashes of gold and bronze in the sheerest of fabrics and the minimal accessories. But it was when color became predominant that this collection really shined. The blacks gave way to creams, which gave way to gold, then deep, deep red and a rich rust, reminiscent of something out of a Pre-Raphaelite painting.

The interesting thing about Project Runway is, there is life after the show, with the winners usually showing up, eventually, with their own successful lines, maintaining their aesthetic. I’m pleased to say Leanne Marshall is among them, a young designer, creating lovely, feminine looks for her young clients.

© Red Stiletto Media 2015                                                               Photography: Anton Brookes