The Collection offered an array of necklines

The music started to play in a soft, melodious tone as the first model started to slowly make her way down the runway of the Orthodox Fall 2008 Collection, Sunday, March 9th at the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios in Culver City. The clicking sound of the shutterbugs was just about the only sound heard in the tent as the focus was on the single model in the Orthodox, Elizabeth dress. An opening reminiscent of a quiet night under the moonlight as the collection continued to make it down the runway. 

Gray is the new black

As the mood of the collection continued in subdued, laid-back vintage elegance, the color palette of the collection unfolded in hues of black, gray and eggplant. Eclectic elements are known for abstracts; space; void and specs in time going by. In that regard, some of the collection pieces reminded me of what Coco Chanel did to women’s attire many years ago. The classic suiting separates were alive and well while the design elements that I saw were tonal and flat in nature. After the showing of the collection, I met a fashion critic, Kanani Fong, in the lounge, who during shop talk of the Orthodox Collection said, “in my opinion, the collection left me underwhelmed”. I wonder whether that was the same sentiment echoed by Andre Leon Talley, Vogue Editor-at-Large, about the Orthodox Fall 2008 Collection since after curtain call, he opted to exit and not go back stage, I guess I will never know.

Stripes and print in the collection

Other elements of the collection included the use of plaids and prints, while there was little use of adornments or embellishments. The collection lent itself to a clean, relaxed, sophisticated look in the manner of a Jil Sander or an Ann Taylor. The use of a-symmetrical necklines for the women made for an interesting twist outside the usual necklines of round, v and square. The hair for the collection was soft, easy and romantic by Matt Adams for Photogenics, while the makeup in a natural feel was spearheaded by Lori Taylor for Smashbox Cosmetics. 

The men’s designs were in separates. The slim pants, cut close to the body, made for an easy look, while the jackets in the collection had a similar look and feel to them. The jackets were shown in gray, charcoal and then black. Most of the jackets were single breasted, while I spotted one or two double breasted ones. In keeping with the season, some of the men wore woolen scarves or the outfits were completed with a classic black tie.

Style options

According to the media sheet on the chairs, here are some descriptive lines to the collection: Taylor Pant; Julie Knit; Ox-Blood Blake Jean, Conrad Cardigan; Brittney Sweater; Heather Short; Burroughs Jacket; Falstaff Pant; Margot Skirt; Macy Leather; Abby Dress; Chaucer Coat and Mary Coat. In the end, the Orthodox Fall 2008 Collection reminded me of watching senior fashion design students showing their last collection before entering the real world.  In my opinion, this one just did not make the cut for me in fashion week design and runway presentation, not to mention that the collection was way too short. 

Curtain call

For more information on Orthodox, please visit: www.orthodoxclothing.com

Photos courtesy of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week