Many designers are going minimalist on the runways this season, but not Georges Chakra. The opulent designer (showing in New York under his Edition Georges Chakra line) made red-carpet gowns that would be sure to steal a camera snap or two, courtesy of basket weaving, lame, a full treatment of jewels...take your pick.
While at times it was difficult to pick which direction the eye should go, there were real winners in the likes of a simple, curve-enhancing white shift dress and a pewter-coloured satin gown with a thigh-high slit. We hope that front-row attendees like Kelly Rowland and Beverly Johnson took note.
“I am weak for the back of a lady,” Georges Chakra told us backstage before his runway show at Bryant Park. “It’s very sensual and sophisticated.” That explains the cut-outs, sheer panels and backless styles for his third Edition by Georges Chakra collection. The haute couture designer’s latest ready-to-wear range is full of colourful chiffon dresses – some toughened up with dark strips of grosgrain – and Chakra’s own take on tuxedos.
“It’s nice to play with the smoking – it’s about the contrast between feminine and masculine,” Chakra said. Pairing a hard-edged jacket with a black lace skirt, or moving the buttons of a smoking jacket to the back achieved just the balance he strove to meet. With awards season in full swing, we expect a starlet or two will be calling Chakra to arrange a red-carpet styling session. If you ask him, the "chiffon dresses will do the job."
Last night marked the 15th-annual Critics' Choice Movie Awards in Hollywood, and while films like 'The Hurt Locker', 'Avatar' and 'Inglourious Basterds' took home top honours, we were more impressed with some of the attendees' style. From Emily Blunt's Georges Chakra to Marion Cotillard's Christian Dior to Diane Kruger's Donna Karan, there were plenty winners in our book.
