NYFW Spring 2011: Costello Tagliapietra

The boys of Costello Tagliapietra, Jef­frey Costello & Robert Tagli­api­etra, have stolen a piece of my heart. I may have mentioned before they were actually amongst my very first fashion shows I attended when I first moved to New York, didn’t know a soul, just over 4 years ago. Ever since then, the images of how every mature, confident woman should aspire to dress have been stuck in my stuck in my head. I have incredible respect for their effortless mastery of fabric and draping. The designer’s themselves are not only instantly recognizable, they have become style icons that many a New York City man aspires to emulate. Turns out that we live in the same neighborhood and and I have glimpsed a few times these super amiable gentlemen walking the streets and riding the subway.

As for the show, it was held at Milk Studios. Ever since the partnership between Mac & Milk begin I was curious about what it would be like. I can understand the appeal, it’s airy, not overly commercialized and at the same time offers a more comfortable intimate experience. Check in however was a bit more chaotic. Fortunately, I was ushered in with plenty of time to settle in before the show really began. Andre Leon Talley was in attendance and he filled the room with his presence.

The show itself began softly with various shades of nude, khaki and the softest of greys proving the reign of Camel/nude tones continues through Fall into Spring 2011 and I’m not complaining. Deep taupe, soft chartreuse green, muted mauve, deep turquoise and rose balance out the color story. While prints were not very prevalent, hand dyed effects give the appearance of granite/marble.

The fluid fabrications drape effortlessly over the body into slim silhouettes that are soft over the hips and easy in the bodice. Plenty of room for a variety of body shapes and real woman bust and hips. Silhouettes are slim, skirts are below the knee and often flippy - don’t be misguided into thinking this collection is in any way overly conservative. Sexy details often take the form of a sliver of skin showing through a slit back or deep neckline, but always keeping it classy by only showing off one area at a time. Newness was added through the addition of contrast between stiff sheer and fluid fabrics in some of the pieces while playing with strong shoulder/shoulder blade details.

These are clothes that not only appear very comfortable and easy to wear, they really flatter a woman’s body. There is no better elegance.