Held in the New York Public Library, Jill Stuart's show was so packed and celebrity-heavy -- Rachel Bilson, Amanda Bynes, Kim Kardashian, Nicky Hilton, and every "real housewife" under the sun -- that the only thing that could have upstaged the show's star power was the metallic micro minidresses coming down the runway.
Inspired by Cher, the collection felt like a tribute to '80s exuberance and over-the-top glam. It was definitely a marked contrast to many of the other collections that have focused on elegance, sophistication, and a more timeless style. The show certainly had a rocker edge to it, and overall the effect was pretty overwhelming -- so much chain mesh, so much foil-like fabric, so much ruching, so many studs. At its best, the collection was hard-edged and corseted (the standout dresses had corseting at the bust and then goddess-y draping), but at its worst it felt like a disco prom.
Overall, we praise Stuart for her "screw the recession" opulence and enthusiasm, but we'll probably stick with some of the simpler looks in the collection and leave the metallic micro minis to the celebrities.
