Malandrino: Layers, Leathers, and Laden with Celebrities

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Catherine Malandrino presented her fall-winter 2010 Malandrino "Khan" collection at the Chelsea Art Museum Sunday afternoon. Models with their hair in top knots, posed in clothing that had been inspired by "the view of the earth as seen from above." This translated into layered pieces made from patterned leathers, furs, textured knits, animal prints, as well as a couple of designs woven from distressed metallics. Draped wools and chiffons also held a prominent place in the collection. Many of the designer's tops and dresses were loose fitting and many pants were baggy and draped, but there were a few fitted bottoms, including a short black pleated skirt, which surfaced repeatedly throughout the collection. Like much of Malandrino's previous work, her latest designs are luxurious, feminine and somewhat innovative, without being too over the top.

The celebrities were out in full force: Kate Walsh, Sarah Bradford, and the newly red haired Maggie Rizer, all circulated. Whitney Port strode by us, telling her friend, "this is what we're here for," after briefly posing for photographs with an ebullient Catherine Malandrino. Later, while we were leaving, we walked by Mena Suvari, decked out in a striking olive leather Malandrino jacket. One of the designer's staff was offering the actress the actual fringed vest off her own back to wear to other shows later this week. Mena accepted. The presentation's most gracious guest, however, was the actress Alfe Woodard, who, after warmly and familiarly greeting Catherine Malandrino, acted the part of fan girl by taking a few of her own photos of the presentation.
· Fashion Week Fall 2010 [Racked]