Celebrity clothing lines are naturally greeted with a fair amount of skepticism. The duds far outweigh the success stories, and only the Olson twins have gained true credibility as designers within the fashion industry. When the Chloe Sevigny x Opening Ceremony collection launched a few seasons ago, I didn't really know what to expect. Chloe is well known for her amazing personal style, but great stylists don't necessarily make great designers. However, Chloe chose wisely to partner up with downtown design aficionados, Opening Ceremony, and knowing some of the ladies on the design team, I can attest that they do know what they're doing. Combining Chloe's 90's-infused, high-low, skate board + Chanel-bag style, with O.C.'s taste for quirky silhouettes, cuts, and unusual details, felt like a natural match. Obviously natural enough to keep the collaboration going, and to even show a Resort 2012 Runway show yesterday evening.
The setting? A sweaty high school gym in Nolita packed with plenty of familiar downtown faces, including many of Chloe's famous friends and fans. While there was chatter concerning the lack of air-conditioning and the summer heat, it actually wasn't too stifling, and the warm air gave a dewy sheen to all the models, most of whom looked like they had been plucked straight from the school yard. Afterall, the inspiration was "teen dreams," and most of the collection seemed to represent the turning point where the good girl turns bad. There were lace eyelet dresses in both white cotton voile and laser cut black leather, alternating between infanta and seductress with alarming ease. There was a pair of black bloomers that looked like the ones I wore under my school uniform, except that these ones were made out of leather. And there were also plenty of casual jersey dresses, tees, and sweatshirts, made in collaboration with Vision Street Wear. A teen dream come true, for sure.
-Tiffany