CITYist

In a fall collection based on the Nancy Drew mystery stories, young Brooklyn-based designer Rachel Antonoff presents a full house of feminine day wear and graceful gowns straight off the pages of a detective novel. Printed tops and sassy shorts come in the distinctive shade of mustard macaroni that color the bindings of the Carolyn Keene books, yet Antonoff’s true talent is revealed in the cuts of her dresses.

One white chiffon dress, when viewed from the front, looks like the demure type meant for twirling. But from behind, the deep-cut back thickly outlined in black adds a sensual and sinister element for a fully grown femme fatale. This mastery of elegant cuts is a clue that Antonoff’s spring season success story may be no mystery: where cleverness and classiness meet lightheartedness and loveliness, a fullness in fashion is found.

Images via Rachel Antonoff