Even before the show started, you had a sense things were going to get steamy at Thakoon. The ornate ballroom at the Plaza where the show was set was bathed in red light, adding a little naughtiness to the posh locale.

The collection was not overtly sexy. In fact, the silhouettes were a bit oversized and exaggerated at the hips with paper bag waists that weren’t exactly figure flattering (especially when paired with cropped Mongolian fur sweaters–if models can’t pull this look off what hope do the rest of us have?). The wasp-waisted silhouettes were easier to get behind. But the rich saturated color palate was all reds and magentas and fuchsia–just in time for Valentine’s day. And the materials hinted at sexy (which is so much nicer than screaming it): PVC tops were layered over silk ombre dresses and flared full wool skirts, while a leather basket weave was a teasing peek-a-boo over a red satin shift and at the back of a wool coat–very cool.

I was hoping Eloise would show but I don’t think this collection was age appropriate for the Plaza’s most famous resident.

Photos: IMAXtree