It was so great attending Emerson by Jackie Fraser-Swan’s Spring 2014 presentation last September. And as always, it was great to attend again for the Fall/Winter 2014 show, seeing even more impressive designs — STILL IN AWE!! The collection was presented during MBFW/NYFW at the Pavilion/Lincoln Center. Very high praise as this was the brand’s 6th time showing — CONGRATS!!
The inspiration for the collection, I guess sort of it’s title, was “Break the Mold.” The brand’s signature is a rock vibe meeting of a romantic feel. But for this season, a hint of contrasting darkness with soft pastels was added, very dramatic & eye-catching! Jackie’s personal take on the collection — “I was inspired by strong women who are breaking the mold; shattering the idea that women are supposed to dress or act a certain way. I’m not into the whole “princess” ideal at all; I want young women to just be themselves without worrying about what others think. I also loved the TV show American Horror Story: Coven, and you can see a bit of a witchy vibe reflected in the collection.”
This collection is just massively impressive; it’s a lot to take in & look at, which for me, is not a bad thing! I see these pieces and I think of all the separates, all of the combinations that could be made with each of the pieces to create even more different looks. I love it all — from the intricately detailed, yet chic casual day looks to the fun & flirty dresses that could take you to a large number of events. And then also, there are some immaculately stunning gowns, which I want to see on the red carpet now!
The individual & specific variety of fabrics really stand out for this collection, showing off the versatility of silhouettes and stunning colors. There are custom prints — the Spectral Duchess Satin (inspired by a glass ceiling, use of black, white, & navy) & then also the Emerson plaid silk twill, which is comprised of black, white, & lavender.
Some of the novelty fabrics include — Shattered Glass (silver lace, black sequins); Chain Knit (chiffons in black, lavender & mauve); Window Pane Chiffon (specialty black chiffons); Various other chiffons — champagne, silver, dot; also Knits — blush pink, textured stripes; Leathers in Black lambskin; Grid Wool in black & creme.
Standout pieces include:
Coven black sequin legging w/ chiffon cutouts
Custom cut Shattered Black Sequin Appliques
Grid wool cape coat w/ leather piping
Coven black sequin gown w/ custom sequin stripes w/ side cutouts & godets
Specialty Chiffon combo Doctrine dress
There were a few VIP attendees who came out to celebrate this stunning collection’s presentation — Leigh Lezark of The Misshapes; Jacquie Lee from NBC’s The Voice; Stefanie Scott from Disney’s Ant Farm; Diana Guerrero from Orange is the New Black; Shaun Ross; Tashiana Washington; Eric West; Fiona Byrne of The Byrne Notice; Andrew Bevan from Teen Vogue;
All wearing Emerson SS14 looks
SHOUT-OUTS
- Production, PR & Show Direction — People’s Revolution
- Stylist — Masha Orlov
- Casting — Cast, Inc./Julia Samersova
- Music — The Misshapes
- Make-up — Lyne Desnoyers for MAC Cosmetics
- Hair — Jorge Luis for Prive
- Nails — Miss Pop & Essie
- Set Designer — Andrea Huelse
- Shoes — Dr. Martens; “AirWair”
- Undergarments — Hue & Commando
