Carmen Marc Valvo was inspired by the sleek aesthetic of mid-century modern design for his Fall 2007 Collection. The designer said he was intrigued by the clean craftsmanship and sculptural forms of that era's most dynamic interior and furniture designers, Jean-Michel Frank and Isamu Noguchi. The collection's vision sought to revere the past while embracing the future.

(l) metallic tweed jacket and grey cashmere trouser; (r) black/nude linear blouse with black cashmere trouser

The architectural forms of designers such as Jean-Michel Frank and Isamu Noguchi were 'the building blocks' of Carmen Marc Valvo's latest collection. Jean-Michel Frank has been heralded as one of the most influential designers and decorators of the Parisian haute-monde of the 1930's and 40's. It's been said that he redefined the decorative arts between 1932 and 1940. His main influences varied from Paris, New York to South America. Mr. Frank was especially known for his subtle use of rich materials. Isamu Noguchi was a prominent Japanese-American artist and landscape architect whose career spanned six decades, from the 1920's onward. Although he was widely known for his sculpture and public works, Mr. Noguchi also designed stage sets for various Martha Graham productions and several mass-produced lamps and furniture pieces, some of which are still manufactured and sold.

(l) ivory houndstooth patterned mink coat; (r) reversible blue iris mink coat and applique cocktail dress

These architectural and artistic disciplines were reinterpreted for this new range as straight surfaces molded into curvilinear shapes that caress the body. With cocktail dresses crafted from bias strips of crepe fashion literally reached new heights! Combining form with function, sunray side-pleated satin-faced organza was cut to create structured yet diaphanous gowns. Reminiscent of the Chrysler Building in all its majestic beauty where aluminum and stainless steel converged, here luxurious materials of disparate textures merged seamlessly to pay homage to a bygone era. Crocodile was interspersed with double-faced cashmere and fur. Metallic ribbons were interwoven with lacquered chiffons. Even stainless steel threads were created to accentuate many of the fabrics throughout the collection.

(l) purple mink cropped jacket and grey tuxedo pant; (r)black metallic tulle and tweed cocktail dress

A predominantly neutral palette was prevalent for Autumn 2007 with bold splashes of color and the punctuated by glamorous metallics. Here nickel, titanium, black, and ivory were representative of the materials used in mid-century with sophisticated shades of moss and purple to heighten the dramatic effect. These elements blend to create a cool yet organic, sculptural yet comfortable, reflecting the tastes of the modern Carmen Marc Valvo woman.

(l) titanium and black metallic lace gown; (r) stainless steel taffeta origami cocktail dress

The models sauntered out to a medley of multiple versions of 'Hazy Shade of Winter.' Among the 41 looks my favorites included: a gorgeous black/nude linear blouse paired with black cashmere trousers; the black lurex cashmere lantern sleeve sweater with a titanium sequined skirt; a black mink and crocodile tile intargia cocoon coat; the stainless steel taffeta origami cocktail dress; a stunning reversible blue iris mink coat atop a nickel metal ribbon applique cocktail dress, the exquisite purple silk mousseline gown; and the gunmetal silk and wool accordion pleated strapless gown.

(l) black double-faced wool sheath; (r) titanium silk and wool accordion pleated cocktail dress

Time, time, time, see what's become of me
While I looked around
For my possibilities
I was so hard to please
But look around, leaves are brown
And the sky is a hazy shade of winter'

Ahhh, seasons change with the scenery
Weaving time in a tapestry
Won't you stop and remember me

But look around, leaves are brown now
And the sky is a hazy shade of winter
Look around, leaves are brown
There's a patch of snow on the ground...

(l) nude silk satin-faced organza sunray side-pleated one shoulder gown; (r) black silk satin sunray strapless gown

Carmen Marc Valvo is a quintessential American designer who, since 1989, has been exploring his soul's desire to bring glamorous dressing to every woman's life. Although his sumptuous creations have made him a favorite among Hollywood's top leading ladies including Beyonce, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Lucy Liu, Oprah Winfrey, Kim Cattrall, Queen Latifah, Radha Mitchell and Vanessa Williams, it's his devotion to his non-celebrity clients that have made him a star. Mr. Valvo grew up in a traditional Spanish/Italian family in Westchester County, New York. According to the Company's website, his artistic spirit revealed itself early on, when he developed a passion for oil painting and crafted opulent medieval costumes for his sister for a school project. But it wouldn't be until much later that he would even consider becoming a designer. "I honestly didn't think it was a real profession," he admits.

(l) black silk faille strapless cocoon gown; (r) gunmetal silk and wool accordion pleated strapless gown

Carmen Marc Valvo's professional career began as a ready to wear designer for Nina Ricci in Paris, followed by a stint at Christian Dior. But by 1989 he was ready to launch his own label. With only a few thousand dollars, he fearlessly pulled together a collection to show to department and specialty stores at the Fall market in New York. His sportswear was an instant success and was bought into several top stores, but it was his eveningwear, his true passion, that captured the hearts of buyers at both Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus. The world of Carmen Marc Valvo also includes a sportswear collection, a new suit collection, custom furs, shoes, limited-edition jewelry designs with VIVID Collection, and a highly anticipated new swimwear line.

From time to time Splash Magazines receives complimentary products and services from companies. The receipt of these gifts in no way affects our reviews or opinions in our editorial coverage. Our loyalty is to you, our readers, and we will give you our honest, unbiased opinions.

Copyright © 2003 - 2010 Splash Magazines Worldwide. All rights reserved.

Top of Page