Catherine Malandrino Spring 2010 

Words - Julie Bobek

Pictures - Allesandro Casagli/FutureClaw

In an overcrowded room at the Chelsea Art Museum, I gently elbowed my way to view the Malandrino Spring Summer 2010 collection.    I felt I was surrounded by a flux of nomads and a Peruvian tribe celebration.  Plenty of celebrities, Mary J Blige, Estelle and Olivia Palermo, kept the lights flashing.   With live music, drinks, beautiful people and amazing clothes why not get this party started in early afternoon.  

Catherine Malandrino paid homage to different cultures including the Nuba of Sudan, the Berbers of North Africa, the Cashibo of Peru, and the Samoans of Polynesia.   Several models wore head wraps with cropped harem pants or loosely fitted trousers.   One-shoulder jersey tunics, intricate knits with metallic rings reflected these native cultures.  Draping and wrapping was an important part of this collections from the bamboo viscose asymmetrical ivory top to the tobacco (dusty earth-tone hue of brown) backless twisted draped long riat dress.   Malandrino made sure this line was fresh, current and reflective to her travels.  The jackets were something to die for.  The zemibi fringe embroidered bolero immediately caught my eye.  As well as the black cropped crotched knit jacket.  Jumpsuits literally “jumped” out everywhere.  With most of the colors being dusty desert colors, the emerald green extremely low neckline (to the waist) chiffon gown was a perfect balance for Malandrino and her faithful customers.   Large necklaces by Siman Tu for Malandrino in stones, beaten leathers, and tassels and oversized earrings prevailed.      Platforms, strappy sandals to lace-less weathered oxford kept the style comfortable. As I left the building I felt I just traveled to the Sahara Desert,  where will Malandrino take me to next season?   I can’t wait to see.