Click for more looks from Venexiana Spring/Summer 2014.
Venexiana’s Spring/Summer 2014 collection can be described as nothing less than a blend of influences: punk music was the backdrop for a march of pale, metallic-threaded evening gowns with an infusion of old Hollywood glamour and lively touches of color and crystal.
Debuting Saturday night at Lincoln Center, the collection’s strongest points were its classical elements: body-conscious mermaid cuts, silhouettes and draping reminiscent of 1940s screen sirens, sculpted busts and bustles, exquisite lace overlays and jaw-dropping jeweled details. Several dresses featured waist, chest, or back accents in the form of sparkling crystal belts, chains, or decals in intricate patterns.
The hair and makeup served as a bright and modern take on the theme, with deeply pigmented turquoise shadow, exaggerated winged eyeliner, and double French-braided chignons.
The vintage glamour tribute was not, however, entirely present throughout. While the main color scheme was a palette of glittering powder blue, gold, lavender, sage, and blush, a few pieces in particular strayed, breaking the consistency. Bright pink polka-dotted fabric as well as ’90s-esque oversize floral prints composed some of the gowns, which were not unattractive in and of themselves but certainly disrupted the elegance and cohesion of the collection, coming across as an out-of-place attempt to infuse a more obvious sense of boldness.
What unified the show was the recurrence of gorgeous crystal accents and dramatic cuts and draping, which time and again have proven to be where Kati Stern’s greatest talents lie. The best pieces of the collection were those which avoided quirks and relied instead on classic and well-structured cuts designed with respect to the wearers’ body; those pieces which are sure to grace red carpets and galas come springtime.
Ariana DiValentino is the beauty/style editor. Email her at [email protected].
