CITYist

For some time now, the ideas of sophistication and earthiness have existed in completely separate spheres in our sartorial conscience. Yet, when Monique Lhuillier sent her first gal down the runway Saturday evening before a painterly backdrop awash in teal, cream and specks of seashell pink, we couldn’t think of a more natural combination. For her Spring 2013 RTW collection, Lhuillier let a sea breeze blow through her line of 45 sharp silhouettes. Although previous collections exhibited some natural elements, such as the lava red patterns of Fall 2012, organic inspiration was much more apparent this time around, manifested in digital prints of crane, fish and koi artfully displayed on peplum dresses, collarless jackets and fitted trousers. As the show progressed, the tides turned to more fluid, “mermaid-like” gowns, as Lhuillier described them, submerged in shades of seafoam and the occasional sunset pink. The night ended with a jaw-dropping gold embroidered gown, featuring sharp tailoring at the shoulders and hips, all wrapped in an elaborate coral pattern, proving that ladylike and mermaid-like are totally compatible. What could be more natural?

Photos courtesy of Monique Lhuillier Spring RTW 2013 style.com