Michalsky: Conservationist Chic
Fashion Wire Daily – FWD101 Model walks the runway at the Michalsky show during Spring 2011 Fashion Week in Berlin on Friday, … Berlin – Local fashion star Michael Michalsky staged Berlin's biggest bumper fashion event on Friday, July 9, with a multiple runway show, opera performance and mini sketch from the local equivalent of a Broadway show.
It's highlight was the spring 2011 collection by Michalsky, who showed both menswear and women's looks on a circular runway in Tempodrom, a massive, tepee-shaped concrete concert hall.
The designer said his inspiration was concern for extinct species, so a striking puffin print was used in great jersey material, featured in guy's street-style "hoodies" and clubbing tops, while a big cat lynx print starred in a couple of swirling dresses that climaxed the show.
For women, what worked best were a series of glove leather biker jackets paired with wrap pants that had poise yet also punch; and delightful flowing djellaba-style overalls with gold cuffs.
Primarily made in mono-colors of ecru, black, deep blue and orange, the collection also had great injections of gold sequins, used in boyish military pants and stacked heels on women.
But the standout image was a great bright orange overall outfit with gold brocade cuffs and breastplate, which drew a burst of applause led by Berlin's Mayor Klaus Wowereit.
The Michalsky-organized evening had opened with a militarist inspired collection by Mahirishi, the famed party label, continued with a one-tune operatic slot and finished with three numbers performed by a troupe of dancers from Friedrichstadtpalast theatre, where Michalsky had staged his runway show one year ago.
"The deal with the Friedrichstadtpalast was they lent me their space last year and I created their costumes, which was fun and a challenge. Plus it got a lot out of my system - wigs, feathers, whips, chains, you name it," said Michalsky, who has a deserved reputation as Berlin's best fashion showman.
Though Michalsky has always been great at staging shows, his signature collection underlined he is no design slouch - sending out a slick and sophisticated take on modern dressing. This was very much a growing up moment for the man.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/fwd/20100711/en_fashion_fwd/michalskyconservationistchic
