Baby Phat Spring 2010

September 17, 2009

Socially Superlative

Never in my wildest dreams did I expect to be allowed past the doors of a Baby Phat runway show. This twice a year extravaganza is notorious for overbooking and is known for being strict when it comes to gaining entrance. Rumor has it that even those with seat assignments can be left out in the cold.

It was sheer luck that enabled me to be in this priviledged position. Earlier that same evening, I met a London stylist who whipped out her spare ticket and invited me to the Kimora Lee Simmons Spring 2010 Collection. Feeling a bit like Charlie when he discovers he has found a Golden Ticket, I was shocked by how my night was unfolding.

Upon arriving to the Roseland Ballroom, there were so many levels of security; it was a workout just to find my chair. When I finally pushed through, I was immediately hit with blinding lights, an enormous crowd of people, and most fabulous of all, a golden sparkled runway. There were surely a couple hundred guests in attendance, scattered on three different viewing levels.

As stated in the program, Kimora was inspired by the “flirty fashions of the 70s mixed with Moroccan ambiance.” To achieve her dramatic and romantic style, Simmons incorporated chunky necklaces, jewels, slandering leggings, and sequence to give her collection a touch of feminine rawness. Flowing patterned dresses and laced blouses reflected her design concept.

The clothes themselves were not extraordinary. They were flashy, a bit over the top, and very trendy. However, by pairing bright oranges and blues with neutral colors, it allowed her outfits to appear more wearable to consumers. The main focus was on the production itself, more so than the clothes. Loud hip-hop music blasted through the sound system, and the crowd loved every minute of it.

Simmons’ collection included daywear, swimsuits, and men’s jeans. Loose-fitting dresses, slender pants, and mini skirts were looks pulled off successfully. While I would not choose to wear many of the garments, Kimora does have a strong following and diverse clientele, enabling her to survive the economy’s current downturn.

The models had a fierce independence and tough attitude as they made their way down the glittery runway. Simmons used women and men of various ethnicities to present her looks, ultimately allowing her clothes to be more relatable to the general public. The girls were not the typical stick thin type, which was a smart move considering Simmons’ clothing is meant to flatter multiple body types.

All things said and done, this night will be a memorable one for many.


- Megan McDonough

Socially Superlative

http://sociallysuperlative.com/2009/09/17/baby-phat-spring-2010/

Photo courtesy of NYMag.