Collina Strada Spring/Summer 2016

Dana Reszutek, Editor at Large

Raw materials were combined for minimalist silhouettes at the Collina Strada Spring/Summer 2016 presentation.

Set at MADE at Milk Studios, designer Hillary Taymour’s pieces were displayed in a stark white, fluorescent space, pairing the still poise of the collection with an eerie performance of sound. Viewers took in Taymour’s looks with a DJ playing a variety of strange audio, from glass breaking to electronic noises.

The collection, entitled “Reshape,” takes designing back to basics, utilizing only simple textiles — denim, leather and linen — to form what can be described as a raw take on ’70s-style athleisure. A front-zip jumpsuit, presented in both denim and cream, was paired with a white mock turtle top, showing a heavy use of utilitarian influences and masculine cuts.

Though Taymour played with structure through jumpsuits and fitted pants, the most notable pieces were the ones that highlighted both structure as well as an unfinished look. From a sheer, blush linen dress that displayed a fitted, white leather bra and thong to fitted pants with rough, frayed hems, Taymor successfully presented Collina Strada’s aesthetic of luxury meets wearability.

For this collection, it is clear that Taymour’s intention were indeed to reshape the idea of the woman’s wardrobe Whether it is breaking down a textile while maintaining a strong shape, or making a statement purely on simplicity, Taymour’s ideas were successfully portrayed, and with the help of next season’s Collina Strada collection, the concept of “raw” was added to the definition of minimalism.

Dana Reszutek is an editor. Email her at [email protected]