From feminine to rocker-chic, Mark and Estel had it all!
As the lights dimmed and techno music blasted from the ceiling, I eagerly awaited the designs that Mark and Estel had in store. I honestly had never heard of the design duo before, yet I was pleasantly surprised to see their edgy yet classic approach to style! It was a wonderful way to kick off NYFW.
Mark and Estel’s Spring/Summer 2015 Malibu Anthem Collection took me straight out of the humid New York weather onto the Malibu boardwalk. Models strutted down the runway in an array of designs that ranged from fiercely skin baring to feminine and modest. There were flowing, sophisticated designs such as blouses with bows at the neck, sweetheart necklines, and draping yet body hugging skirts and dresses. A more edgy vibe made its way in with crop top bustiers, zipper accents, fitted blazers, mini-skirts, and denim cut-off shorts paired over black grunge-y tights. The two styles we’re beautifully blended- for example, a flowing dress was paired under a bold blazer. The color scheme remained very neutral, with shades of pure white, black, and everything in between- but trust me, these designs were anything but boring!
As someone who leans towards a classically chic style, my favorite design was definitely the blouse dress: a loose, knee-length and long-sleeved dress beautifully accented by a prominent bow at the neck that reached down to the model’s waist. It was paired with long, beachy hair to create a look that was truly angelic.
All Mark and Estel designs are made of 100% cotton, sourced from standard items like t-shirts and sweatpants- yet they are expertly crafted to emulate other fabrics such as silk and leather. I was shocked to hear that what looked like a silk gown definitely wasn’t.
As for makeup and hair? Minimalist and classic. Eye makeup was nearly absent, while skin had a natural glow and lips had a bright pop of red or pink. Hair was styled in long, loose waves, or sleek and straight under floppy sun hats.
I loved Mark and Estel for their masterful combination of elegance and grunge. The duo truly brings a funky edge to everything they do, even by ending the show with a live performance!
My first show was a major style success, and I’m looking forward to what’s to come :). Follow @ReleveByAllyn for your #KeyToNYFW.