New York Fashion Meets North African Dreams - Rachel Roy

by Annie Scott (RSS feed)
Feb 17th 2010 at 6:02AM

Rachel Roy's Fall/Winter 2010 presentation this Valentine's Day was a glamorous affair, with chocolates by Godiva, champagne by Moët & Chandon and a lush collection of fabulous, womanly garments inspired by Cleopatra. Roy's statement about the collection was rich with promising descriptives: "This fall, we unveil a desert-tomb palette infused with saturated blossom, moody elixir, onyx and deep river hues. It is a season of strength, mystery and allure -- an exploration in texture and luminosity."

In keeping with many of the other shows, the clothes were less focused on color and heavy on neutral metallics from silver through beige to gold. The collection also included fur and cashmere, adding softness without detracting from the opulence. There were several pieces in the extremely wearable presentation we'd love to have taken straight to our closets, but perhaps we can find enough gold and silver in there to create similar looks without mugging a model.

One thing you won't be able to fake: The shapes. Roy's artistry with draping and understanding of female body was well showcased, from interesting sweaters to immaculately tailored dresses and mini jackets with scarab-esque lines. The look is form-fitting, yet modest -- well, except for the see-through, cobweb like pieces (that must be her nod to the desert tomb).

Though we won't see these pieces again until next season, keep in mind that this spring's metallics will layer well with what's coming up for fall. One thing we know we need immediately: long gloves (the ones featured in the Rachel Roy show are by Portolano). Now, picture yourself in these:

Gallery: Rachel Roy Fall/Winter 2010