The Rock & Republic Fall 2008 invitation and show run featured a red fading to black ombré background with a plume of smoke in the foreground. Reading like some great espionage film poster (credits and all) where martinis are shaken, not stirred, the blended presentation more than delivered on its clever marketing pitch with a major runway production. There was no great mystery here, just plenty of drama and intrigue as models strutted out in 65 head-turning looks while a live band performed from an orchestral pit tucked along the raised u-shaped stage.

 
The presentation was divided into two acts; shifting back and forth from evening gowns to menswear-inspired suits. Make no mistake, the Rock & Republic mantra is all about a strong, confident, independent woman. Although the evening gowns shown were pure sexiness, this is no damsel in distress; in fact, she is the one likely to swoop in and save the day. As sleek as the black-lacquered runway, one by one the models sauntered out in a mélange of provocative silhouettes with thigh-high slits, exposed backs, and cutaway torsos. Whether long and flowing or corseted and form-fitting, the shapes were undeniably feminine. Updated menswear classics of turtlenecks, trousers, and trench coats were also cut close to the body for a hip and modern direction. Varying shades of violet, aubergine, and eggplant continued to reign supreme this season. The sophisticated palette was a subdued mix of black and grey with one notable use of the majestic color purple.

This was quite a production! What felt like a great crescendo as spotlights danced around the room and the orchestra played against the backdrop of classic rock anthems opening with The Who’s “Love Reign O’er Me”, shifting to The Beatles’ “A Day in a Life”, Eric Clapton’s “Layla”, and closing with The Beatles’ “My Guitar Gently Weeps”. Heads turned and jaws dropped at the sensational feast of lights, music and ready-to-wear, culminating in spectacular fashion concerto. While I enjoyed the play on androgyny—a trend that remains very strong in fashion as we see women wielding greater power, position, and wealth in today’s economy—with tailcoats, fedoras, and suiting, the gowns stood out most for me here. My favorite looks from the collection included: the Ingrid dress in black; the Zsa dress in purple; the Anabel dress in black; the Monroe dress in purple; the Zita dress in black; and the Bette dress in purple.

 
According to the company website, Rock & Republic has transcended the premium denim world over the past five years, becoming an international lifestyle brand. Its luxe yet edgy approach to fashion is personified by Chief Executive Officer and Creative Director Michael Ball. Constantly redefining the boundaries in the fashion industry, Rock & Republic is at the forefront of design. In 2006, Rock & Republic expanded its brand to include a phenomenally successful line of accessories consisting of footwear, handbags, and eyewear. With the launch of Rock & Republic Cosmetics in 2008, the company adds yet another exciting piece to its high-fashion portfolio.

Furthering the company as a true lifestyle brand, Rock & Republic is using its momentum in fashion to influence the worlds of sports and philanthropy. In 2007, Michael Ball fulfilled one of his personal lifetime ambitions by announcing Rock & Republic as the first fashion brand to create a professional cycling team, Rock Racing, which has already revolutionized the sport by infusing cycling with its signature sexy edge. Ever the pioneer, Mr. Ball formed Rock the Cure in the same year, a groundbreaking charitable division dedicated to making a significant difference in the fight against life-threatening diseases, uniquely donating an incredible 100% of profits to its causes. Michael Ball received several honors in 2007 including the induction into the Council of Fashion Designers of America, the Spirit of Life Award from City of Hope, and the Hollywood Style Award for Fashion Visionary. Today, the Rock & Republic brand is still synonymous with a rock and roll lifestyle and a quality previously absent from the market. With Mr. Ball at the helm, Rock & Republic is now a global fashion powerhouse with multiple collections sold in eighty-six countries.

Images provided courtesy of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Newsgroup.

For more information please visit, http://www.rockandrepublic.com/

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