Diane Von Furstenberg Spring/Summer 2016.

 09/14/2015.

Diane Von Furstenberg Spring/Summer 2016.

It's notable to say that at the time of this show in 2015, that DVF was in the midst of celebrating the 40th anniversary of her introduction of the highly recognizable and world changing Wrap Dress she created. So, in that celebratory mood, one could have only expected a High-Energy and joyfully upbeat and optimistic collection, and one would have not been at all disappointed in that expectation. Seriously pretty and feminine colours, saucy sexiness and a lot of wrapping were the most obvious hallmarks, as well as a effortless and breezy 70's Studio 54 vibe that was articulated with uncommon facility, due perhaps to the singular fact that most of that vibe that was created during that time was accomplished due to the fashions DVF set upon the world stage in the era. So, a backwards glance at her own work but not in a referential way, instilled the collection with a brilliant sense of "Flashback" but not in a nostalgic or sentimental way. The feeling was very much of it's moment, yet suffused with a knowing wink to her own history.

Von Fusrtenberg has always had a sure and steady hand with prints and this collection, named "Fortvna" after the Roman Goddess of the same name, was replete with beautiful mish-mashes and patchworking together of beautifully eye-catching prints. From Karlie Kloss' opening number in two differing prints to the delicately naïf Butterfly print that appeared early on a milky White background and at the conclusion of the show in Black. Aside from the prints, the hothouse colours were also joyously buoyant and reached a high water mark in Tami Williams' exit, which also embodied the Goddess aspect of the collection in spades, a draped Goldenrod and Hot Pink crepe/chiffon number that moved like flowing water over Williams' lithe frame. 

DVF put forth an assured and highly desirable collection that touched heavily on her own past and history yet never referentially so, it always felt in this moment, which then gave it a modernity without veering too far from what DVF is known for. No one is expecting Von Furstenberg to reinvent her own wheel, when the wheel is doing pretty damn fine just as it is, but a gentle tweaking and advancing of those tropes is exactly the right tack to take and Von Furstenberg showed a steady and confident hand in updating her own invention to the current mode, and in doing so, keeps her label fresh and relevant. This collection was prime example of why Von Furstenberg has been around in this arena for 40 years!

That's All.

Bye4Now!