Paola Suhonen brought back her signature label Ivana Helsinki to New York Fashion Week for another season. With the previous show running an hour late, all signs pointed that backstage should have been chaos, yet no such thing occurred. By the time I got there the models had their beehive hair and charcoal black eyes done and ready for the runway. L’Oreal’s Edward Tricomi, was armed with hairspray and still fixing up an occasional beehive. The models, already in full makeup and hair, were mostly looking for ways to amuse themselves until the show starts; taking pictures of each other, making funny faces at photographers. There was a feeling of ease in the air.
If Spring 2011 had a strong nautical theme, the Ivana Helsinki Fall 2011 collection was about rich velvets, knits and feather prints – thus appropriately dubbed “Velvet Lake”. Paired with patchwork chunky boots (a collaboration with Seychelles) there was a strong 60’s Mod vibe to the collection. Feathers were everywhere; embroidered, etched, hand-painted and printed; on either velvet or silk dresses. Just when you think the feather theme might be too strong, a hand knitted tunic or a fringe dress will come along, so simple and chic, and just like a palette cleanser will put everything in perspective.
Funny fact. Did you know that this season, Paola Suhonen added her own name underneath the Ivana Helsinki logo because Ivana Trump sued her aledging there can only be one Ivana in this town? I think we all know on who’s side we are.
[All images by Fashion Lover]
