Malo Runway Spring 2009 - Spare, Sparkling, Modern, Delicate

(from the Malo finale)

I had a short hiatus between shows, and noticed a fashionable crowd gathering on the steps of the New York Public Library at 42nd street. Investigating further, I discovered that people were going to the Malo runway show. I hadn't been invited, but was told that I could join the standing room line.

(from the Malo finale)

I was excited about seeing this show...Alessandro Dell'Acqua's debut for Malo for Spring/Summer 2009. so I waited patiently (Fashion Week is all about lines, standing, and lots of patience)...... And I and waited, and waited.....until it became clear that I was the entire standing room line!

Eventually, minutes before the show, "standing room" was admitted. I noticed Nina Garcia and other fashionista note-ables in the celebrity-studded front row. Lots of air kisses and exclamations alter, the din of greetings in English and Italian, quieted down. Then came the parade of dresses, pants, skirts, jackets, vests, and sweaters, some in bold brights of purple, emerald green, and peony, but most in very subdued tones of ivory, dove grey, taupe, greyed green, tea rose, and blue.

I was in the back, and couldn't see the "bold" and "tough" looking shoes and boots, or the zippers and bold accessories that supposedly added a balance to the very delicate, sheer, sexy-but-ladylike creations. But I could see the clothes. Body conscious designs in cashmere, the designer's signature fabric, were light-as-a whisper, often shredded or sheer, in layers, or festooned with large "Jewels" that added a glamorous touch to these spare, bare, sheer, and sexy (but still refined) clothes. You have to have a certain level of confidence, not to mention a great body, to wear clothes that are sliced up stitched with transparent nylon thread. However, taken as separates, while many of the pieces were seriously fashion-forward, the knitwear, a bejeweled sweater or a jacket, a skirt or pants, or one of those gossamer dresses worn with another layer, would certainly add pizazz to a wardrobe with the resources to own these unusual pieces.